CCS/HCS/SS/SB 902 - This act make changes to licensing and enforcement procedures for gaming.

ADMINISTRATION - BINGO & LOTTERY - The bingo fund is eliminated and unobligated funds are directed to the Gaming Commission Fund. The bingo fund shall be abolished as of June 30, 2001.

The Lottery Commission may purchase goods for prizes which are made in the United States, rather than in Missouri, and sold by a Missouri business. The act extends the requirement to award certain percentages of lottery contracts and subcontracts to women and minority owned business until January 1, 2005, instead of January 1, 2000.

EXCURSION GAMBLING BOATS - This act revises the administration of law, revises operational procedures and extends the time in which funds can be transferred to the Veterans Memorial.

OPERATIONS - Gambling boat patrons have the option of prohibiting an excursion gambling boat licensee from using identifying information for marketing purposes. Licensees would develop the system which would be approved by the Commission.

A bond or surety may be used to guarantee the completion of any expansion or modification of a gaming facility in a period of time approved by the commission, or 3 years from August 28, 2000, whichever is later. Failure to complete the improvements may be grounds for non-renewal of the license for that gaming facility.

The period of time allowed for a licensee to petition for reassessment of an assessment imposed by the gaming commission is extended from 10 to 20 days. The assessment is imposed if the commission is not satisfied that the licensee has remitted the full 20% on adjusted gross receipts.

The commission must ensure that applicants are in compliance with local zoning ordinances.

PROBLEM GAMBLERS - One dollar of the $2 admission fee shall be deposited to the credit of the Gaming Commission Fund. Subject to appropriation, one cent of that dollar may be deposited to the credit of the Compulsive Gamblers Fund.

A problem gambler may voluntarily exclude himself/herself from an excursion gambling boat. Any person who is self-excluded is guilty of trespassing in the first degree if such person enters an excursion gambling boat and any chips or tokens will be forfeited.

The act allows the Department of Mental Health to administer treatment and prevention programs for problem gamblers. Programs are funded with a one cent admission fee.

The act prohibits anyone under 21 from wagering on an excursion gambling boat, prohibits permitting anyone under 21 to make a wager while on an excursion gambling boat, and prohibits assisting a person under 21 to make a wager on an excursion gambling boat. Violators are guilty of a Class B misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class A misdemeanor for any subsequent offenses.

VETERANS - Appropriations, not to exceed $10 million total, may be made from the Veterans' Commission Capital Improvement Trust Fund as a match to other funds for new construction or renovation of veterans' memorials pursuant to applications received prior to July 1, 2004.

OTHER - Excursion Gambling boats may offer childcare services if licensed by the Department of Health if the child service area is at least 8,000 square feet in size and if care is not offered after 11 p.m. before a school day and 1 a.m. on other days. This provision is also contained in SB 570 (2000).

The act allows lottery winners who won before October 23, 1998 and who are receiving an annual annuity, to accept a single cash payment (Similar to SCR 22).
DAVID VALENTINE