Carnivals are Real Entertainment Act

This bill creates a new temporary work visa for mobile entertainment workers. It lets traveling carnivals, circuses, and their support crews bring in workers for short periods to do essential jobs like moving equipment and setting up, running, and taking down rides, games, and food or drink stands. Employers would have to follow the same rules used for the H-2B seasonal worker program set by the Department of Labor. The government must publish proposed rules within 180 days and finish the final rules within one year.

• Who is affected: Traveling carnivals and circuses, and concession providers that go to state, county, and local fairs and festivals, or support nonprofit fundraising events; plus the workers they hire for these roles.
• What changes: Adds a new temporary work visa and defines the kinds of “integral and essential” jobs it covers, such as transporting, assembly, operation, disassembly, and maintenance of attractions and concessions; employers must follow H-2B-style program requirements.
• When: Agencies must propose rules within 180 days of the law taking effect and finalize them within one year.