HCS HJR 13 & 6 -- BINGO (Scheve)

This proposed amendment to the state constitution repeals
provisions related to persons participating in the management
and operation of bingo games, the lease and rental of equipment
or premises used to operate bingo games and restrictions on
advertising of bingo games.  The constitution would allow the
statutes to dictate these restrictions.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $78,000 for FY
1999.

HCS HJR 13 & 6 -- BINGO

SPONSOR:  Farmer (Scheve)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Ways and
Means by a vote of 13 to 6.

This proposed amendment to the state constitution repeals
provisions related to persons participating in the management
and operation of bingo games, the lease and rental of equipment
or premises used to operate bingo games and restrictions on
advertising of bingo games.  The constitution would allow the
statutes to dictate these restrictions.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue Fund of $78,000 in FY 1999.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this amendment will allow the
constitution to be consistent with a law passed during last
year's General Assembly.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Scheve and
Kauffman; The Missouri Bingo Suppliers Association; and The
American Legion.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that this bill will
increase addictive gambling and further allow crime into the
industry.

Testifying against the bill was Representative Loudon.

Bill Tucker, Research Analyst

HJR 13 -- Bingo

Sponsor:  Scheve

This amendment to the state constitution allows licensed bingo
operators to advertise games of bingo.

In addition, the amendment allows persons to participate in
bingo games after being a member of the bingo organization for
one year, allows persons who are being paid by the bingo
organization to participate in the operation of the bingo games,
allows felons who have not been convicted within the past 15
years to participate in the operation of the bingo games, and
removes the requirement that participants be of good moral
character.  Under current constitutional provisions,
participants must be a member of the organization for 2 years,
not be paid by the organization, and never have been convicted
of a felony.