The proposed bill establishes the Board of Passenger Ropeway Safety in Montana, which will oversee the registration, inspection, and regulation of passenger ropeways, such as ski lifts and trams. The board will consist of seven members appointed by the governor, including professionals from various relevant fields, and will be responsible for ensuring the safety and compliance of passenger ropeways through a certification process. The bill mandates that all passenger ropeways must be registered with the board, which will issue annual registration certificates based on compliance with established safety rules. Additionally, the board is granted the authority to impose fees for registration and assessments on the gross receipts of passenger ropeway operations to fund its activities.

The bill also includes provisions for the board to conduct inspections, issue corrective action orders, and enforce compliance through suspensions or legal proceedings if necessary. It amends existing definitions related to skiing and passenger ropeways, clarifying that the inherent dangers of skiing do not include the safe operation of passenger ropeways. Furthermore, it repeals a previous section of the Montana Code Annotated that is no longer relevant. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance safety standards and regulatory oversight for passenger ropeways in the state, thereby supporting the ski industry while protecting public welfare.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 23-2-702, 23-2-734