Amusement Ride Guidelines

-Pay close attention to how a state defines an  "amusement ride." If they do not include an  "inflatable or air-supported amusement device"      in their phrasing,  then bounce houses are not  included:

• “Amusement ride” means any mechanical device, other than those regulated by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, which carries or conveys passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted route or course or within a defined area for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement. Such term shall not include any such device which is permanently fixed to a site.

-Some states will also include a list of amusement rides  that the legislation DOES NOT apply toward:

• This chapter shall not apply to any single-passenger coin operated amusement ride on a stationary foundation or to playground equipment such as swings, seesaws, slides, jungle gyms, rider propelled merry-go-rounds, moonwalks, and live rides. 

                                                                       - (Georgia)  

Inflatable Specific Guidelines

-On the other hand, some states are working toward  introducing specialized legislation for bounce houses and other inflatable amusement rides. These inflatable  specific guidelines usually appear separate from the amusement ride guidelines, or they are listed as being applicable under the amusement ride guidelines:

• Inflatable or Air-Supported Amusement Device is defined as an air-filled structure designed to allow riders to bounce, slide or climb on it. Such a device is made from flexible fabric, kept inflated by one or more blowers, and relies on air pressure to maintain its shape.

                                                         - (North Carolina)