California · Labor Code

LAB §271: No person, or agent or officer thereof, engaged in the business of promoting a theatrical enterprise where living individuals are used or employed in the presentation, except persons having a free and

Misdemeanor

What this law says, in plain English

Theatrical promoters must deposit sufficient cash or securities to cover performer wages before production. Violation is a misdemeanor.

Read the full statutory text
No person, or agent or officer thereof, engaged in the business of promoting a theatrical enterprise where living individuals are used or employed in the presentation, except persons having a free and unencumbered title to the fee of the property on which the theatrical enterprise is produced, shall fail or neglect, before producing such enterprise in any period for which a single payment of wages is made, to have on hand or on deposit with a bank or trust company, in the county in which such enterprise is to be produced, or if there is no bank or trust company in the county, then in the bank or trust company nearest the place where such enterprise is produced, cash or readily salable securities of a market value sufficient to pay the wages of every individual used or employed in the production of such enterprise, or in connection therewith for such period. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the use or employment of individuals by a radio or television broadcasting enterprise; provided, there is on hand or on deposit with a bank or trust company in this State cash or readily salable securities of a market value sufficient to pay the wages of every individual used or employed in such enterprise, or in connection therewith. Theatrical enterprise as used in this section means the production of any circus, vaudeville, carnival, revues, variety shows, musical comedies, operettas, opera, drama, theatrical, endurance contest, walkathon, marathon, derby, or other entertainments, exhibitions, or performances. Any person, or agent or officer thereof, who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.