Witnesses say Caleb Schwab, the 10-year-old son of Kansas state Rep. Scott Schwab, flew off the slide, colliding with the nets meant to protect him. He was killed Sunday in an accident at Schlitterbahn Water Park in Kansas City
A Kansas House member whose 10-year-old son died last summer on a water park slide spoke to his colleagues on the subject for the first time Thursday shortly before they voted unanimously to strengthen inspection rules for amusement rides.
Rep. Scott Schwab's son Caleb died at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas.
The bill requires annual ride inspections and sets specific qualifications for inspectors. Current law allows parks to conduct their own inspections.
Schwab told House members he didn't come to the Legislature to increase regulation or grow government, but sometimes government is needed. He said he wouldn't hold it against anyone who didn't support the bill.
The measure now faces a final House vote and a Senate vote.
