TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) – A Kansas legislator whose 10-year-old son was killed on a waterslide fought back tears Thursday as he calmly urged colleagues to strengthen inspection rules for amusement parks.
The House unanimously advanced the bill on a voice vote immediately after hearing from Republican Rep. Scott Schwab. His son, Caleb, was killed last summer on the Verruckt slide at Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Kansas City, Kansas, during an event for elected officials and their families.
Schwab’s remarks on the House floor were the first time he has addressed the bill. He didn’t speak at any committee hearings.
While other lawmakers spoke, Schwab paced the aisle next to his seat, and his hand shook as he sat back down. When it was his turn, he said he didn’t come to the Legislature to grow government or increase regulations but that “you can get to a point where there’s just not enough.”
“For those who have consternation with the expansion of government, sometimes you just need some,” Schwab said.