HCS HB 407 Liese, Chris

C O M M I T T E E

HCS HB 407 -- EXCURSION GAMBLING BOATS

SPONSOR: Jacob

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Ways and Means by a vote of 10 to 6.

This substitute clarifies existing law as it relates to creating artificial spaces adjacent to rivers for the purpose of docking excursion gambling boats. The substitute limits any artificial space created after May 20, 1994, to 1,000 feet from the closest edge of the main channel of the river. However, any excursion gambling boat operator who has filed for a license with the Missouri Gaming Commission prior to May 20, 1994, will be allowed to create an artificial space up to 2,000 feet from the edge of the main channel.

FISCAL NOTE: Not available at time of this printing.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this bill clarifies the intent of the legislation passed last year to define artificial spaces created for riverboats. The 2,000 feet limit is important to developers whose plans have been finalized, especially those located on the channel side of the Missouri River and those located between bridges where the channel is narrow.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Liese; Promus Corporation; HCCB Corporation; Reizman and Blitz; and Riverport Farms Partners.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Bill Tucker, Research Analyst