IL HB0400

Renames the "Carnival and Amusement Rides Safety Act" to the "Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act" and expands the definition of "volunteer" to include any person who performs functions related to carnivals or fairs without pay or lodging.

Prohibits carnival and fair owners from employing or permitting volunteers who have been convicted of sex offenses, registered as sex offenders, or convicted of Article 9 or 11 crimes in the Criminal Code.

Requires criminal background checks and National Sex Offender Public Registry checks for all employees and volunteers at time of hire and annually thereafter, with individuals under 17 exempt from the criminal history check requirement.

Increases civil penalties for violations from $1,000-$15,000 to $10,000-$50,000 for first, second, and subsequent offenses respectively.

Makes it unlawful for child sex offenders to operate, manage, be employed by, or be associated with any amusement enterprise, carnival, or fair when persons under 18 are present, with definitions referencing the Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Act.