Nevada Enacts New Safety and Insurance Rules for Inflatable Ride Operators
Nevada's Assembly Bill 198, effective January 1, 2026, imposes requirements on businesses operating inflatable play structures. The law covers insurance, inspections, wind monitoring, anchoring, recordkeeping, and warning signs. These provisions may affect premises liability claims by providing evidence of operator compliance.
Nevada's Assembly Bill 198 takes effect on January 1, 2026. It applies to businesses running bounce houses, inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and comparable play equipment. Operators must carry at least $1 million in liability coverage, a certificate of insurance, or a surety bond, along with required state and local licenses.
The measure also sets wind-monitoring duties. Operators must check wind speed with an anemometer at the device's location, log readings before use, keep monitoring during use, and stop and deflate the structure when wind exceeds 15 mph or the manufacturer's limit, whichever is higher. Inspections, anchoring, records, and warning signs are also addressed. These provisions may become evidence in premises liability disputes.
Nevada's new rules could affect small inflatable-ride operators, property owners, insurers, and injured users. Businesses may face added costs for coverage, anemometers, inspections, anchoring, records, and signage. In exchange, clearer safety practices may reduce wind-related incidents and give courts stronger evidence when liability is disputed. Insurers and attorneys may also adjust underwriting and claims analysis based on documented compliance or noncompliance. The actual impact may depend on enforcement, operator resources, and how courts apply the statute.