LANSING, Mich. — A man's leg had to be amputated after police say he was critically hurt while working at a carnival.
Proposed bills would promote safety at Michigan fairs and carnivals.
He works for a company that supplies carnival and ride fairs and he's currently in a Flint-area hospital.
The ride was closed for the weekend and incident is under investigation.
It's incidents like this one that have Michigan lawmakers concerned and they're now working on a new plan.
It's aimed at keeping people and workers safe at fairs, carnivals and amusement parks.
Legislation introduced int the State House would create two new programs within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and the Agriculture and Rural Development.
The Michigan Safety and Amusement Star Program and the Fair and Festival's Partners Program would be voluntary.
State Representative Thomas Albert of Lowell says the programs would recognize businesses that participate in staff training and safety and emergency preparedness.
He hopes the bills will give amusement businesses incentive to prioritize emergency training and best practices for accidents.
Another bill would gradually increase the fees paid by amusement ride and aerial lift operations.
Rep. Albert says Michigan's current fees have not been raise since the 1960s. He says that can end up causing permit delays around the state and that's bad both for business operators and the people of Michigan.
The legislation is currently sitting in committee. It would have to pass the full House, Senate and be signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to become law.
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