Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced by Representatives Lofgren and Salazar, creates a special visa for people who work at traveling carnivals and circuses. It allows these businesses to hire workers from other countries to help run rides, games, and food stands during the busy fair season.
• Right now, carnivals often struggle to find enough workers because they have to compete for a limited number of general seasonal visas. This change would give them their own category, making it easier for local fairs and festivals to stay open and run safely.
• The new rules would cover a wide range of jobs, including driving trucks, putting together large rides, and fixing equipment. It also includes people who work at food booths or game stands that travel to state and county fairs or charity events.
• Even though it creates a new category, employers would still have to follow strict labor laws. They must prove the jobs are temporary and follow Department of Labor rules to ensure all workers are treated and paid fairly.
• If passed, the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security would have one year to set up the new system. This would help provide a steady supply of workers for the thousands of community events held across the country each year.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

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