Law would publicize ride closures

Editor's note: Don Helbig is a Register correspondent representing themeparksbydon.com. SANDUSKY — An Ohio lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require amusement parks to publicly disclose ride closures both inside the park and online. State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, D-Parma, said the measure is aimed at giving guests more information before they purchase tickets, particularly when rides have long-term shutdowns. Under the bill, permanent amusement parks would be required to post ride-closure updates on digital signs at the park, on their websites or in official apps. The information would have to be updated within 5 minutes of a ride closing or reopening. Those from the Ohio Department of Agriculture would enforce the law, issuing civil fines for noncompliance. The proposal follows a season in which Cedar Point has experienced multiple ride closures due to mechanical issues. Supporters said the legislation could address situations such as the extended closure of Invertigo at Kings Island, which has not been noted on the park's website or social media channels despite being unavailable for an extended period. Both Cedar Point and Kings Island already provide real-time ride status updates for short-term closures in their mobile apps, including estimated wait times when rides reopen. Brennan's bill is expected to move to committee in the coming weeks, with a goal of implementation ahead of the 2026 amusement park season.