Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist

Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Journalist @baltimoresun writer artist runner #amwriting Md Troopers Assoc #20 & Westminster Md Fire Dept Chaplain PIO #partylikeajournalist
Showing posts with label Slots qv MD Issues Slots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Slots qv MD Issues Slots. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Washington Post editorial says No to slots … and so do I

Sunday, October 19, 2008 – October 27, 2008

Hat Tip: Delusional Duck Maryland Southern Maryland

The Washington Post published an editorial on Sunday, October 19, 2008 that argued “No” to slots in the upcoming referendum to be held in Maryland on November 4th, 2008.

I think this is how I will be voting also. In spite of personal reservations about slots; I believe that I could’ve supported some of the formulations offering slots in Maryland under the previous administration.

At least I could’ve closed my eyes, held my breath, pinched my nose, and pushed the green button.

I happen to be old enough to remember slots and members of my family viewed them as harmless entertainment – and by and large, it was just that.

I never saw the ills that slots created for society and yet as I grew older I began to see that slots are a huge potential for harm to the fabric of the community.

Earlier proposals had more benefits than harms. I liked the revenue for agriculture and education and I certainly liked the jobs creation.

However, the current proposal is not very attractive in that there is not enough upside to the proposal to overcome the downside.

Overlooking for the moment that it places slots in the Maryland constitution where it does not belong; it appears that little of the revenue will go to help agriculture, or more specifically, the horse industry; way too little goes to education and too much goes to the general revenue fund coffers of Maryland state government.

Maryland state government already has a pathological spending addiction and the current legislation only fuels the problem as opposed to what a dedicated fund for ag and education would provide.

And there’s the rub.

Anyway, the Washington Post says: No on Maryland Slots:

Voters should oppose a referendum that would bring the machines -- and a host of maladies -- back to the state.

Sunday, October 19, 2008; B06

ON JULY 1, 1968, the last slot machines were wheeled out of the taverns and diners that dotted a stretch of Southern Maryland known as Little Vegas. Maryland banned the machines because they fostered crime and corruption and drained money from the poor. In the 40 years since, the lever on the side of the machine has given way to a button on the front, but the scourges ushered in by slots are the same.

Supporters of a Nov. 4 referendum that would restore slots to Maryland paper over these memories with dollar bills. Slots, they promise, will plug Maryland's $430 million budget gap, revive the faltering horse-racing industry and inject needed cash into schools. Marylanders shouldn't fall for this neon mirage.

[…]

Maryland had the good sense to rid itself of the machines 40 years ago, and voters should continue to resist the glow of slot machines and the false promise of pain-free revenue they represent.

[…]


Read the entire editorial here: No on Maryland Slots

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/10/18/AR2008101801534.html

20081019 Washington Post editorial says No to slots

Sunday, September 07, 2008

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

The OC Dispatch: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

By Shawn J. Soper, News Editor

Originally published September 5, 2008

OCEAN CITY – Despite strong rhetoric from an organized and vocal anti-slots contingent in the local area and across Maryland, the November referendum on the gaming machines appears to be an “even bet” with just under two months remaining before the election, resort business leaders heard this week.

The resort’s Economic Development Committee (EDC) this week hosted its bi-annual legislative summit, inviting its representatives in Annapolis including Sen. Lowell Stoltzfus and Delegates Norm Conway and Page Elmore, along with Ocean City Chamber of Commerce lobbyist Dennis Rasmussen to Ocean City for a frank discussion of important upcoming issues. Conspicuously absent was Delegate Jim Mathias, who is in Louisiana to assist with disaster relief efforts there in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.

Inevitably, the discussion at the meeting on Wednesday turned to the November referendum on slots, and the generally anti-slots local business community was not likely pleased when the race was handicapped. For years, certain segments of the Ocean City business community including the EDC and the chamber, along with the town’s elected officials, have made it known in no uncertain terms they are opposed to slots.

[…]


Voters across Maryland will likely settle the slots issue once and for all in November when they head to the polls to cast their ballots on a referendum question calling for an amendment to the state’s constitution to allow 15,000 of the gaming devices at five locations including Ocean Downs in Worcester County. The wording in the ballot question has been formally challenged because of the notion it unfairly paints a rosy picture of the benefits of slots without pointing out its potential downfalls, according to Stoltzfus.

“This issue is obviously very important to Ocean City,” he said. “The first thing to start with is the ballot language and it’s being challenged. It’s deliberately misleading and it’s wrong.”

Stoltzfus told EDC members on Wednesday the slots-for-schools premise is misleading because much of the revenue generated from the gaming machines will not go where it is supposed to go despite the language in the bill.

“The ballot language extols the virtues of the revenues going to education, but the reality is most of it is going into the general fund. The revenue will be swallowed up in the general fund and it could go to anything. The same thing happened to a large extent with the lottery.”


Read the entire article here: Slots Called 'Even Bet' With Two Months To Go

http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/article.php?cid=30&id=4239

20080905 The OC Dispatch: Slots Called ‘Even Bet’ With Two Months To Go

Friday, August 15, 2008

EAGLE EXTRA: Slots Constitutional Amendment


Explore Carroll – The website for the Westminster, Eldersburg, and Sunday Carroll Eagle has published
the text of the legislation approved to create referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland

The following is the text of the legislation that was approved to create the referendum on Slot Machines in Maryland.

The measure is an Amendment to the State Constitution, and will face voters on the November ballot.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
By: Administration

AN ACT concerning

Video Lottery Terminals Authorization and Limitations

FOR the purpose of adding a new article to the Maryland Constitution to authorize video lottery terminal gaming in the State for the primary purpose of providing funds for public education; limiting the number of licenses that the State may issue to operate video lottery terminals; limiting the number of locations at which video lottery terminal facilities may be located; limiting the number of video lottery terminals that may be authorized in the State; providing that the statutory addition or expansion of forms of commercial gaming by the General Assembly is prohibited except as provided by this Act; defining a certain term; and submitting this amendment to the qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.

BY proposing an addition to the Maryland Constitution

New Article XIX Video Lottery Terminals


Find the entire text here:
Slots Constitutional Amendment

20080813 EAGLE EXTRA Slots Constitutional Amendment

Monday, October 29, 2007

20071028 NPR: Backlash Against Slot Machines in W.Va. and other news from Appalachia

NPR: Backlash Against Slot Machines in W.Va. – and other news items from Appalachia

http://www.npr.org/search.php?text=slots

Oct-28-2007, All Things Considered

...at race tracks and other locations. Tomorrow, Maryland state legislature takes up the governor's proposal to legalize slots. It's also a big issue in the current governor's race in Kentucky....

Backlash Against Slot Machines in W.Va.

by Scott Finn

All Things Considered, October 28, 2007

West Virginia is one of a handful of states that allows slot machines and other forms of video gambling in neighborhood bars, as well as at racetracks. But while other states, such as Maryland and Kentucky, are considering expanding their gambling options, many West Virginians are now having second thoughts. Some find themselves torn between their socially conservative beliefs and the state's need for jobs.

Finn reports for West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

Inside Appalachia Listen hear.

Host: Beth Vorhees

Saturdays at 6 am - Sundays at 6 pm on radio

This hour-long weekly radio news magazine is devoted to topics of interest in the southern Appalachian region - shared issues, shared culture and shared history - with a new perspective.

_____

WV: Table Games by Keri Brown

In West Virginia, gamblers at three of the state's four racetracks will be able to play poker 24 hours a day. The state Lottery Commission approved all day gambling this week. Also, this week, the tracks that can offer casino style table games were given the go-ahead to open their poker rooms after a test of dealers and the regulatory processes. Players used play money and played for charity.


KY NewsBeshear Profile by Tony McVeigh, KPR

The governor’s race pits a republican incumbent against a democrat with a long political history.

Gov. Debate by Stu Johnson, WEKU

The two candidates for governor got their first shot before a statewide television audience this week on KY Educational Television.

Casino Gambling by Charles Compton, WEKU

Both the governor and the state horse industry say next week's election is a referendum of expanded gaming.


PA: Wind Farms

By Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Allegheny Front

By the end of 2008, PA will have 10 wind farms generating electricity. These farms are built without any state regulations. Instead, wind companies and the state work together to find what they consider to be appropriate sites. PA officials say this voluntary agreement, as it’s called, is a flexible set of rules that can change as the state's knowledge of wind farms grows. But critics say the agreement does more to protect companies than the environment.


WV: Bridge Day By Anna Sale

This weekend in October means its Bridge Day in Fayette County, WV. It’s the day each year when for six hours, it’s legal to parachute off the New River Gorge Bridge. As many as 200,000 spectators will watch. And organizers say despite a jumper fatality last year, participation this year was expected to be about the same.


WV: Banned Books By Scott Finn

Two critically-acclaimed novels by southern writer Pat Conroy were suspended from a Nitro High School Advanced Placement Literature Class. The parents of two students complained about graphic scenes of sex and violence in the novels "Beach Music" and "The Prince of Tides." The Kanawha Co. school board is trying to decide whether to ban the books, or allow them to remain as part of the curriculum.


WV: The Confederate Battle Flag By Beth Vorhees

Historic tradition or an emblem of racism? John Coski says the confederate flag means different things to different people. This week, Dr. Coski presented a lecture in WV on his book “The Confederate Battle Flag: America’s Most Embattled Emblem" as part of the 2007 Civil War Scholars Lecture Series at WV State University. We spoke to Dr. Coski earlier this week about his book and the controversial symbol of the American south.


PLUS: KY: Stereotypes ... WV: Mine safety & apple crop ... NPR news ... more

20071025 Counties association favors slots by James Drew Baltimore Sun

Counties association favors slots



Qualified support based on program of compensation



From Friday's Sun - baltimoresun.com



By James Drew, Sun reporter, October 25, 2007

The Maryland Association of Counties offered qualified backing Thursday for Gov. Martin O'Malley's call to legalize slot machine gambling, saying it "could be an acceptable long-term state revenue source, were such a program responsibly crafted."

"A responsible slots program must provide continuing fair and full compensation to the host subdivisions for impact expenses and respect local land use authority," according to a statement distributed at a news conference at the State House.

[…]

The Democratic governor's package includes an increase in the state sales tax from 5 cents to 6 cents, extending the tax to cover more services, changing the income tax structure so that high earners pay more and low- and middle-income filers pay less, an increase in the corporate income tax rate from 7 percent to 8 percent, closing corporate loop holes and a property tax reduction.

The governor also backs legalizing slot machine gambling, but he has signaled he might back a referendum on that proposal.

… two days after O'Malley released a 20-page report, called the "Cost of Delay" budget, that outlines cuts of $850 million to local jurisdictions and $800 million to state agencies and programs.

Republicans referred to the governor's move as a scare tactic and noted that Democratic legislative leaders released a similar list of doomsday cuts over the summer in arguing for new revenue measures.

MACo officials said that if the state chooses spending cuts over tax increases, the burden of balancing the budget would be shifted to local governments, which would be forced to consider their own cuts and property tax increases.

[…]

Writing for the Baltimore Sun, Mr. Drew has written a quick and easy snapshot of the issues swirling much of the Maryland General Assembly Special Session which has begun today, October 29th, 2007. It is well worth the time it takes to give it a quick read. Find it here: Counties association favors slots.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

20071023 Dan Gainor Watch

Dan Gainor Watch

October 23rd, 2007 – Dan Gainor in The Examiner

Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

23 hrs ago - Trick or treat?

OK, in Gov. Martin O’Malley’s Maryland, we only get one choice — more than $1 billion in new taxes. That’s not exactly a treat. Two days before Halloween, the governor will knock on every door in the state demanding goodies.

[…]

Since the governor is holding his session at such an ironic time, let’s take advantage of it. I want you, the readers of this column, to come up with suggestions for the right costume O’Malley should wear presiding over such an epic abuse of power during Halloween.

I’ve used a lot of metaphors for our good governor during the past year. Jesse James was my favorite. Forrest Gump got me an e-mail complaint from the state Democratic Party. And I personally saw the governor in what I think was a War of 1812 officer’s costume at a Ravens charity event a couple of years ago.

So you have to do better than those. The idea should be fun and humorous, and tweak the nose of a man leading his state down the path to tax suicide. No overly mean comments will be allowed. (I get to make all of those.) Send your entries to gainorcolumn@gmail.com. Deadline is Saturday at the witching hour — midnight.

[…]

Read the entire column here: Dan Gainor: Brewing up a contest to mock tax tricks

Dan Gainor: Commuters need to question MARC

7 days ago - On your MARC. Get set. Go. See you in 28 years.

Dan Gainor: Gov. O’Malley can’t get a handle on state’s slots issue

14 days ago - Pull the handle and watch the pictures fly by in a blur of excitement — bars, cherries, oranges and more. As the lights flash, you scream for a winner. Then the rows of images begin to slow.

Dan Gainor: Finding a Realtor who really moves you

21 days ago - When we get married, the people who stand by us are called the best man or maid of honor — respectful titles and well deserved. When we go house hunting, we call those people Realtor or agent.

Dan Gainor: The James gang approach to taxes

28 days ago - There’s a new Brad Pitt film out called “The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford.” It should star Gov. Martin O’Malley, because he’s robbing us blind.

Dan Gainor: Finally, money none of us really wants

35 days ago - Coin of the realm is a phrase that conjures up pirates and “pieces of eight.”

Dan Gainor: Today shouldn’t be like any other day

42 days ago - Six years, and the horrifying images are still seared in our brains.

Dan Gainor: Region’s politicians hooked on speed

49 days ago - I have a quick confession.

Dan Gainor: Workers still laboring to do their best

55 days ago - It’s my own personal Labor Day tradition to remind people and businesses that talented, skilled employees are the best asset of any company. This is my last column before the holiday, so I wanted to pay tribute to the men and women who keep this and every business going.

Dan Gainor: Poorly called strike at Camden Yards

63 days ago - The great labor battles are written in large type across American history — the Haymarket riots, the railroad strike of 1877 — even the battles between miners and mine owners in Harlan County, Ky.

Dan Gainor: Downside of the serve-less industry

70 days ago - You’ve heard it before.

Gainor: Survey says we want less government

77 days ago - I have stunning survey results: Most people would rather someone else pay their taxes.

Dan Gainor: House-hunter to homeowner

83 days ago - Deciding to buy a house is one thing. Actually finding one is another.

Dan Gainor: Eight is enough for Baltimore

91 days ago - When the singer Prince decided to change his name to a funky little drawing, he became a symbol.

Dan Gainor: It’s not time to chew the fat — let’s cut it

98 days ago - It’s time to tighten the old belt.

Dan Gainor: O’Malley explores the nuclear option

105 days ago - No nukes? Maybe no more.

Dan Gainor: A song of freedom with many verses

112 days ago - I’ve got a song in my heart.

Dan Gainor: The economy is on fast-forward

119 days ago - Call it the tale of the tape. In it, we find a lesson about the U.S. economy you seldom see taught. Not too long ago, I was at the York Road Best Buy looking for a tape recorder so I could write and drive simultaneously. Those who know me well know this is good because I seldom actually shut up.

Dan Gainor: Losing birds drag down attendance

125 days ago - Remember when the word “Orioles” was followed by the word “magic”?

Dan Gainor: A good idea can be your ‘secret’ weapon

126 days ago - I’ve got The Secret.

Dan Gainor: This isn’t your land anymore

133 days ago - “This land is your land, this land is my land.”

Dan Gainor: The conspiracy of lower gas prices

140 days ago - Gas man.

Dan Gainor: Business must play ball with base plan

147 days ago - When you first hear the term BRAC, you aren’t sure if it’s the sound you make after too many crabs and too much beer or one of the Cartoon Network’s oddball characters. (That one’s Brak.)

Dan Gainor: Legislators ready to gas up taxes

154 days ago - Gas prices have continued to climb.

Dan Gainor: Where’s there’s smoke, there’s stupidity

161 days ago - It appears likely that as of Feb. 1, 2008, Marylanders will no longer be allowed to smoke in bars and restaurants. Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley appears poised to sign the bill as early as this week and join legislators by making an ash out of himself.

Dan Gainor: There’s no place like home

168 days ago - The online world gives you the ability to find exactly what you want in a relationship. You can pick age, size and appearance without ever leaving your home.

Dan Gainor: Tanks for the memories of cheap gas

Dan Gainor: Imagine a Baltimore without cars

Dan Gainor: We are not at the end, my friend

Dan Gainor: Politicians out of control

Readers should believe it’s been a great year for the paper

Dan Gainor: ‘People’s lawyer’ a threat to business

Dan Gainor: Subprime problems could be prime reason to buy

Dan Gainor: Solution to tax woes rises like dough

Dan Gainor: There ought to be a law

Dan Gainor: Seat hikes prove Ravens have what counts

Dan Gainor: Wide screen is not box-office silver

Gov. O’Malley can’t see forest for treats

Love of profit is at the holiday’s heart

Homeowners should reconsider adjustable rate mortgages

Thursday, October 11, 2007

20071009 Dan Gainor: Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue

Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue

Oct 9, 2007 by Dan Gainor, The Examiner

http://www.examiner.com/a-978936~Dan_Gainor__Gov__O_Malley_can_t_get_a_handle_on_state_s_slots_issue.html

Gov. Martin O'Malley. He's using the state's $1.7 billion deficit to try and rework our entire tax structure - and spend a couple hundred million extra. Rather than push for true belt-tightening in government (Does anybody even know what that means?), O'Malley pulled together a hate-the-rich package that raises almost every tax you can imagine and encourages wealthy people to move out of state.

The "plan" is a classic smoke-filled-room result. Now O'Malley expects the legislature and the abused public to acquiesce. And he wants it done in a special session just prior to the regular session to minimize debate.

The GOP makes it clear it only approved slots because Republican Gov. Bob Ehrlich asked nicely and didn't spend like a teen with her dad's credit card. GOP members say they especially oppose a special session because it's designed to raise taxes. Duh. Of course it is. Everything O'Malley does now is designed to raise taxes.

Read the entire commentary here: Gov. O'Malley can't get a handle on state's slots issue

Friday, February 13, 2004

20040212 Democrat Franchot: The Ultimate Hypocrite On Slots

Democrat Franchot: The Ultimate Hypocrite On Slots

N E W S R E L E A S E

http://www.mdgop.org/News/News.cfm?ID=1013&c=3

Related:

1998 HB678 Fiscal Note St Lottery Commission Video Lottery Terminals

1998 HB678 St Lottery Commission Video Lottery Terminals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 12, 2004

Contact: Deborah Martinez 410-269-0113

DEMOCRAT FRANCHOT: THE ULTIMATE HYPOCRITE ON SLOTS

Following News that Anti-Slots Lobbying Firm Worked to Join Pro-Slots Effort,

Evidence Now Shows Lead Anti-Slots Leader Was Once a Fervent Slots Supporter

ANNAPOLIS – As the so called anti-slots movement gears up this year, one of its top leaders, Delegate Peter Franchot (D-Montgomery County), is proving yet again that the fight to halt slots is nothing more than another tactic in the other side’s “Stick it to Ehrlich” campaign, said Republican State Party Chairman John M. Kane.

Just three years ago, when his party’s Governor was in office, Peter Franchot helped lead a “Public Education-Funding” bill in the House of Delegates to allow licensed operators to run slot machines. Now, Franchot has made a complete flip-flop to become Maryland’s most ardent opponent of any slots plan that would help fund education in the state.

“Today he says slots is out of the question, calling it a ‘new game’ in Annapolis, and promising to not end his fight until ‘this obsession with slot machines comes to an end’,” Chairman Kane said. “Well considering his past work to legalize slots, the only new game he seems to be playing is “Stick it to Ehrlich,” and in the process he’s sticking it to all the kids who are in grades K-12. In all apparent reality, Franchot is pro-slots, anti-Ehrlich, and not big enough to admit it.”

Kane also pointed out that top representatives of the anti-slots lobbying firm that Franchot’s coalition hired to run the anti-slots campaign were in the Maryland Republican office three weeks ago working to take on the pro-slots campaign.

“The simple fact that top officers for the ‘anti-slots’ lobbying firm Mr. Franchot’s coalition recently hired were in my office last month to, in essence, ask for $100,000 in blackmail so they wouldn’t help Franchot and his people launch an anti-slots campaign, proves the anti-slots movement is a scam. Even more importantly, it proves that neither the anti-slots coalition nor Mr. Franchot has any credibility.”

Franchot was one of 15 Delegates in the 2001 legislative session to sponsor House Bill 1170, a Constitutional Amendment designed to fund public education through the use of video lottery terminals in licensed establishments with a provision that would prohibit the growth of casino gambling.

###

http://www.mdgop.org/

Background Information:

Obtain a Copy of Slots Bill Franchot Sponsored at http://mlis.state.md.us/1998rs/billfile/hb0678.htm

Monday, March 17, 2003

20030314 Maryland’s New Gov Off To Bumpy Start by Penny Riordan “Stateline.org”


Maryland’s New Gov Off To Bumpy Start


By Penny Riordan, Staff Assistant Friday, March 14, 2003

Maryland's first Republican governor in 36 years is getting a political baptism of fire as he seeks to implement his conservative agenda in the liberal-leaning Free State.

So far in the current legislative session, Gov. Robert Ehrlich's signature proposal to legalize slot machines is stalled in the General Assembly and his choice to head the Environment Department was rejected by the state Senate. Democrats control the legislature.

"He's really learning on the job," Baltimore Sun Statehouse bureau chief David Nitkin said of the governor's first few weeks in office.

Ehrlich is the first Republican elected governor since Spiro Agnew in 1966 and this is the first time since the Agnew administration that Maryland has different parties in power in the executive and legislative branches. Although legislators from both parties said after last year's election they had high hopes for the new governor, many have now given up hope for a productive legislative session. Ehrlich, a former state legislator and U.S. representative, defeated Democratic Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend in the race for the state's top office.

The centerpiece of Ehrlich's agenda is to help plug the state's $1.8 billion budget deficit by gleaning revenue from 10,500 slots that would be at placed at four Maryland racetracks. Currently the governor is still ironing out the details and has not submitted a bill to the General Assembly.

Ehrlich's proposal has alienated some of his old friends in the legislature. On Feb. 26, when newly elected House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) questioned why Ehrlich would put slot machines at racetracks in low-income and heavily black neighborhoods, Ehrlich accused Busch of racism.

"Just about everybody was shocked," said House Majority Leader Kumar P. Barve (D-Montgomery). "(It eroded) a tone of civility that has existed in Maryland forever."

In addition to problems with his slot proposal, Ehrlich's nominee for secretary of the Department of the Environment was rejected by the state Senate on March 11. It was the first time in Maryland history that a governor's nominee has been turned down.

Lawmakers and legislative observers are asking if these political missteps can be attributed to growing pains or if this foreshadows four long years of partisan squabbling.

Tom Stuckey, a long-time Annapolis correspondent for the Associated Press, said any governor faced with a budget deficit and trying to legalize gambling would hit roadblocks with a Democratic legislature.

"They've certainly made some missteps but they are trying to learn," said Stuckey, who has been covering the General Assembly for 40 years. "Any one of these [issues] would make for a difficult beginning."

Stuckey also said that legislature has undergone some significant changes, with an unusually large number of freshman legislators and a brand new host of leaders in the House and Senate. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. is the only party leader returning from last year.

In the past, other governors have also gotten off to a rocky start. As soon as Ehrlich's predecessor, Gov. Parris Glendening took office, he was embroiled in a scandal over a pension deal he had arranged from his previous job as Prince George's County Executive. Gov. William Donald Shaefer, Ehrlich's predecessor twice removed, also had a difficult time forging relationship with legislators. Both were Democrats.

Despite Ehrlich's missteps, reporters and legislators say he is a friendly and approachable governor, which should work to his advantage in the long run.

They also say other elements of his agenda are being overshadowed by current problems. Ehrlich's other priorities include charter schools, faith-based programs and Project Exile, a crime-reduction initiative modeled after a Virginia program.

Riordan - Penny Riordan, Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr., Maryland General Assembly Opera, Slots, Maryland State Budget,

Monday, December 28, 1998

1998 HB678 St Lottery Commission Video Lottery Terminals

1998 HB678 St Lottery Comm Video Lottery Terminals

http://mlis.state.md.us/1998rs/billfile/hb0678.htm


1998 Regular Session bill information current as of December 28, 1998 - 7:34 p.m.

Sponsors

Title

Synopsis

History

Sponsor List

Subjects

Statutes

Documents

Another Session

Another Bill

HOUSE BILL 678

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

File Code: Agencies, Offices, and Officials

Sponsored By:

Delegates Rawlings, Hixson, Arnick, Curran, C. Davis, Dewberry, Harrison, Vallario, Branch, Bonsack, DeCarlo, Franchot, Howard, B. Hughes, Marriott, Malone, Minnick, Mohorovic, Nathan-Pulliam, Palumbo, Proctor, Valderrama, Weir, and Wood

Entitled:

State Lottery Commission - Video Lottery Terminals - Revenues and Funding


Synopsis:

Authorizing the State Lottery Commission to issue electronic gaming facility licenses for specific racetracks, tourist destination locations, and satellite simulcast facilities; authorizing the Commission to issue licenses for electronic gaming employees, service technicians, and manufacturers; requiring the Commission to adopt regulations; creating an Education Trust Fund; providing for administrative penalties; providing for the allocation of fees and other revenue; etc.


History by Legislative Date

House Action

2/9

First Reading Ways and Means

2/13

Hearing 2/26 at 11:00 a.m.

Senate Action

No Action


Sponsored by:

Delegate Howard P. Rawlings, District 40

Delegate John S. Arnick, District 7

Delegate Rose Mary Hatem Bonsack, District 34

Delegate Talmadge Branch, District 45

Delegate Gerald J. Curran, District 43

Delegate Clarence Davis, District 45

Delegate Diane DeCarlo, District 6

Delegate Thomas E. Dewberry, District 47B

Delegate Peter Franchot, District 20

Delegate Hattie N. Harrison, District 45

Delegate Sheila Ellis Hixson, District 20

Delegate Carolyn J. B. Howard, District 24

Delegate Brenda B. Hughes, District 25

Delegate James E. Malone, Jr., District 12A

Delegate Salima Siler Marriott, District 40

Delegate Joseph J. Minnick, District 7

Delegate Jacob J. Mohorovic, Jr., District 7

Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, District 10

Delegate Richard A. Palumbo, District 22A

Delegate James E. Proctor, Jr., District 27A

Delegate David M. Valderrama, District 26

Delegate Joseph F. Vallario, Jr., District 27A

Delegate Michael H. Weir, District 6

Delegate John F. Wood, Jr., District 29A


Bill indexed under the following Subjects:

COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS -see also- POLITICAL COMMITTEES

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

EDUCATION -see also- PUBLIC SCHOOLS; SPECIAL ED.; HIGHER ED.

FEES -see also- DEVELOPMENT FEES AND TAXES

GAMING -see also- BINGO; LOTTERY; RAFFLES

GENERAL ASSEMBLY -see also- AELR CMTE; LEGISLATIVE POLICY

HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE, DEPARTMENT OF

HEARINGS

INVESTIGATIONS AND INQUIRIES -see also- CRIM BCKGRND INVEST.

LICENSES -see also- ALC. BEVERAGES LICENSES; DRIVERS' LIC

LOTTERY

MENTAL HEALTH

PENALTIES

RACING

REFERENDUM

REVENUE AND TAXES -see also specific taxes -

RULES AND REGULATIONS

TOURISM

VIDEO


Bill affects the following Statutes:

Article - XIX State Lottery Commission - Video Lottery Terminals

( 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 )


Documents:

Bill Text: First Reading (RTF / PDF), Third Reading, Enrolled

Fiscal Note: Available (RTF / PDF)

Amendments: None offered


HOUSE BILL 678

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT

Unofficial Copy 1998 Regular Session

P1 8lr0152

____________________________________________________________________________________

By: Delegates Rawlings, Hixson, Arnick, Curran, C. Davis, Dewberry,

Harrison, Vallario, Branch, Bonsack, DeCarlo, Franchot, Howard, B.

Hughes, Marriott, Malone, Minnick, Mohorovic, Nathan-Pulliam,

Palumbo, Proctor, Valderrama, Weir, and Wood

Introduced and read first time: February 9, 1998

Assigned to: Ways and Means

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A BILL ENTITLED

1 AN ACT concerning

2 State Lottery Commission - Video Lottery Terminals - Revenues and

3 Funding

4 FOR the purpose of prohibiting the General Assembly from enacting on or after a

5 certain date a statute that authorizes certain forms or expansion of commercial

6 gaming, such as casino-style gaming; authorizing the State Lottery Commission

7 to allow certain thoroughbred racing and harness racing licensees to offer video

8 lottery terminals for public use at certain tracks in the State; authorizing the

9 State Lottery Commission to allow video lottery terminals for public use at

10 certain tourist destination locations and certain satellite simulcast facilities

11 licensed by the Maryland Racing Commission; establishing certain eligibility

12 criteria and disqualifying criteria for a video lottery facility license; authorizing

13 the State Lottery Commission to conduct certain investigations and hearings;

14 specifying limits on the numbers of video lottery terminals allowed at certain

15 facilities; authorizing the State Lottery Commission to require video lottery

16 terminal manufacturers, video lottery operators, video lottery employees, and

17 service technicians to be licensed; providing for certain eligibility criteria and

18 disqualifying criteria for certain licenses; requiring the State Racing

19 Commission to issue certain satellite simulcast facility permits under certain

20 circumstances; authorizing the State Lottery Commission to reprimand a

21 licensee or deny, suspend, or revoke certain licenses under certain

22 circumstances; authorizing the State Lottery Commission to collect certain fees,

23 civil penalties, and taxes; providing for the issuance of certain regulations by the

24 State Lottery Commission; providing that the State Lottery Commission shall

25 buy or lease, and shall maintain control over, the video lottery terminals,

26 associated equipment, and central computer under this Act; requiring the State

27 Lottery Commission to distribute certain moneys in specified ways; providing

28 for certain local impact grants; providing for a certain distribution from video

29 lottery proceeds to the Purse Dedication Account for horse racing; creating an

30 Education Trust Fund administered by the Education Trust Fund Board;

31 providing for the membership and duties of the Board; requiring certain

32 distributions from video lottery proceeds to the Education Trust Fund; providing


2 HOUSE BILL 678

1 for certain appropriations from the Education Trust Fund for certain education

2 programs; providing for certain distributions from the Purse Dedication Account

3 for horse racing; providing for a certain distribution from video lottery proceeds

4 to the Maryland Tourism Development Board Fund; requiring the State Lottery

5 Commission to make certain accounts to the Comptroller; creating a Compulsive

6 Gambling Fund in the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene; providing for

7 certain disbursements from the Compulsive Gambling Fund for certain

8 purposes; defining certain terms; generally relating to the operation of video

9 lottery terminals at certain tracks, tourist destination locations, and satellite

10 simulcast facilities; providing for a certain contingency regarding the

11 authorization of video lottery terminals at certain tourist destination locations

12 and satellite simulcast facilities; and submitting this amendment to the

13 qualified voters of the State of Maryland for their adoption or rejection.

14 BY proposing an addition to the Constitution of Maryland

15 New Article XIX - State Lottery Commission - Video Lottery Terminals

16 Section 1 through 14, inclusive

17 Preamble

18 WHEREAS, The question of whether to authorize video lottery terminals is a

19 public policy issue of paramount importance that shall be decided by the voters of the

20 State by their adoption or rejection of this amendment to the Constitution of

21 Maryland; and

22 WHEREAS, The authorization of any additional forms or expansion of

23 commercial gaming, such as casino-style gaming, in the State shall be prohibited by

24 this amendment to the Constitution of Maryland; and

25 WHEREAS, The General Assembly recognizes that an investment in

26 education is an investment in the State's economic future and in a workforce that can

27 meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond; and

28 WHEREAS, The State should dedicate significant levels of funding from the

29 video lottery operations to reflect a commitment to prekindergarten through

30 secondary public education, public institutions of higher education in the State, and

31 educational opportunities for the students of the State; and

32 WHEREAS, Maryland's horse racing industry reaches across the State

33 affecting farm owners, breeders, horsemen, and track personnel from the Eastern

34 Shore to Western Maryland; and

35 WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds and declares that this amendment to

36 the Constitution of Maryland is necessary to preserve, restore, and revitalize the

37 horse racing and breeding industries and preserve in Maryland the economic impact

38 associated with these industries; and

39 WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds and declares that competition from

40 video lottery facilities in Delaware is resulting in increased purses and economic


3 HOUSE BILL 678

1 activity in that state and the Delaware facilities, as well as the opening of a similar

2 facility in West Virginia adjacent to Frederick County, will have a substantial

3 negative impact on Maryland's historic racing and breeding industries and the related

4 economy of the State; and

5 WHEREAS, The tourist industry of the State constitutes a critical component

6 of its economic structure and, if properly developed, controlled, and fostered, is

7 capable of providing a substantial contribution to the general welfare, health, and

8 prosperity of the State and its inhabitants; and

9 WHEREAS, The introduction of a limited number of authorized video lottery

10 terminals in tourist destination locations will facilitate the development of the tourist

11 industry; and

12 WHEREAS, An integral and essential element of the regulation and control of

13 video lottery terminals rests in the credibility and integrity of the regulatory process

14 and of video lottery operations; and to further public confidence and trust, the

15 regulatory provisions of this Act are designed to extend strict regulation to all

16 persons, locations, practices, and associations related to the operation of licensed

17 video lottery operations as provided under this amendment to the Constitution of

18 Maryland; and

19 WHEREAS, The facilities in which video lottery operations are to be located

20 are of vital law enforcement and social interest to the public; and

21 WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds and declares that it is necessary and

22 in the best interest of the economic growth of the State to make commitments to

23 educational programs in the State and to allow Maryland's horse racing and breeding

24 industries and tourist industry to compete with those industries in surrounding

25 states by authorizing video lottery terminals at some of Maryland's racing facilities,

26 satellite simulcast facilities, and tourist destination locations; now, therefore,

27 SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF

28 MARYLAND, (Three-fifths of all the members elected to each of the two Houses

29 concurring), That it be proposed that the Constitution of Maryland read as follows:

30 ARTICLE XIX - STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION - VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS

31 1. DEFINITIONS.

32 (A) IN THIS ARTICLE THE FOLLOWING WORDS HAVE THE MEANINGS

33 INDICATED.

34 (B) "APPLICANT" MEANS A PERSON WHO APPLIES FOR ANY LICENSE

35 REQUIRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

36 (C) "ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" MEANS HARDWARE LOCATED ON THE

37 LICENSEE'S PREMISES THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE VIDEO LOTTERY SYSTEM FOR

38 THE PURPOSE OF PERFORMING COMMUNICATION, VALIDATION, OR OTHER


4 HOUSE BILL 678

1 FUNCTIONS, BUT NOT INCLUDING THE COMMUNICATION FACILITIES OF A

2 REGULATED UTILITY OR THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

3 (D) "BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION" MEANS A SECURITY, CRIMINAL, AND

4 CREDIT INVESTIGATION OF A PERSON WHO APPLIES FOR OR WHO IS GRANTED A

5 LICENSE UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

6 (E) "CAREER OFFENDER" MEANS A PERSON WHOSE BEHAVIOR IS PURSUED IN

7 AN OCCUPATIONAL MANNER OR CONTEXT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ECONOMIC GAIN

8 THAT UTILIZES METHODS THAT ARE DEEMED BY THE COMMISSION AS CRIMINAL

9 VIOLATIONS OF THE PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE.

10 (F) "CAREER OFFENDER CARTEL" MEANS A GROUP OF PERSONS WHO

11 OPERATE TOGETHER AS CAREER OFFENDERS.

12 (G) "CENTRAL COMPUTER" MEANS A CENTRAL SITE COMPUTER PROVIDED TO

13 AND CONTROLLED BY THE COMMISSION TO WHICH VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS

14 COMMUNICATE FOR PURPOSES OF:

15 (1) INFORMATION RETRIEVAL; AND

16 (2) PROGRAMS TO ACTIVATE AND DISABLE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

17 (H) "COMMISSION" MEANS THE STATE LOTTERY COMMISSION.

18 (I) "CONTROL" MEANS THE AUTHORITY TO DIRECT THE MANAGEMENT AND

19 POLICIES OF AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE.

20 (J) "COSTS" MEANS, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE REQUIRES, THE

21 EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE COMMISSION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS

22 ARTICLE, INCLUDING THE TESTING AND EXAMINATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY

23 TERMINALS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND

24 OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES.

25 (K) "COUNTY" INCLUDES BALTIMORE CITY.

26 (L) "EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND" MEANS CAROLINE, CECIL, DORCHESTER,

27 KENT, QUEEN ANNE'S, SOMERSET, TALBOT, WICOMICO, AND WORCHESTER

28 COUNTIES.

29 (M) "FAMILY" MEANS SPOUSE, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS, CHILDREN,

30 GRANDCHILDREN, SIBLINGS, UNCLES, AUNTS, NEPHEWS, NIECES, FATHERS-IN-LAW,

31 MOTHERS-IN-LAW, DAUGHTERS-IN-LAW, SONS-IN-LAW, BROTHERS-IN-LAW, AND

32 SISTERS-IN-LAW, WHETHER BY WHOLE OR HALF BLOOD, BY MARRIAGE, ADOPTION,

33 OR NATURAL RELATIONSHIP.

34 (N) (1) "LICENSEE" MEANS AN APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN ISSUED A VIDEO

35 LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE.


5 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (2) "LICENSEE" INCLUDES, UNLESS THE CONTEXT OTHERWISE

2 REQUIRES, AN APPLICANT WHO HAS BEEN ISSUED ANY LICENSE REQUIRED UNDER

3 THIS ARTICLE.

4 (O) "MANUFACTURER" MEANS A PERSON WHO HOLDS A LICENSE ISSUED BY

5 THE COMMISSION TO ENGAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF DESIGNING, BUILDING,

6 CONSTRUCTING, ASSEMBLING, MANUFACTURING, OR DISTRIBUTING A CENTRAL

7 COMPUTER, VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, THE

8 ELECTRONIC COMPUTER COMPONENTS OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, THE

9 RANDOM NUMBER GENERATOR OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, OR THE CABINET IN

10 WHICH A VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL IS HOUSED, AND WHOSE PRODUCT IS

11 INTENDED FOR SALE, LEASE, OR OTHER ASSIGNMENT TO A LICENSEE OR THE

12 COMMISSION AND WHO CONTRACTS WITH THE LICENSEE OR THE COMMISSION FOR

13 THE SALE, LEASE, OR OTHER ASSIGNMENT.

14 (P) "OWN" MEANS HAVING A BENEFICIAL OR PROPRIETARY INTEREST, OF AT

15 LEAST A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE ESTABLISHED BY THE COMMISSION, IN THE

16 PROPERTY OR BUSINESS OF AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE.

17 (Q) "PLAYER" MEANS A PERSON WHO PLAYS A VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL AT A

18 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSED BY THE COMMISSION.

19 (R) "PROCEEDS" MEANS THE PART OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY BET THROUGH

20 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS THAT IS NOT RETURNED TO SUCCESSFUL PLAYERS BUT

21 IS OTHERWISE ALLOCATED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

22 (S) "SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY" MEANS A FACILITY AUTHORIZED BY

23 THE STATE RACING COMMISSION TO CONDUCT SATELLITE SIMULCAST BETTING AT A

24 LOCATION OTHER THAN A TRACK.

25 (T) "SERVICE TECHNICIAN" MEANS A PERSON WHO IS LICENSED BY THE

26 COMMISSION AND PERFORMS SERVICE, MAINTENANCE, OR REPAIR ON LICENSED

27 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

28 (U) "VIDEO LOTTERY" MEANS GAMING OR BETTING CONDUCTED USING A

29 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL.

30 (V) "VIDEO LOTTERY EMPLOYEE" MEANS AN EMPLOYEE, OF A PERSON WHO

31 HOLDS A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE, WHO PARTICIPATES IN THE VIDEO

32 LOTTERY OPERATIONS.

33 (W) (1) "VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL" MEANS ANY ELECTRONIC

34 CONTRIVANCE, MACHINE, OR OTHER DEVICE THAT, ON INSERTION OF A COIN,

35 TOKEN, OR SIMILAR OBJECT OR ON PAYMENT OF ANY CONSIDERATION, IS

36 AVAILABLE TO PLAY OR OPERATE, THE PLAY OR OPERATION OF WHICH, WHETHER

37 BY REASON OF THE SKILL OF THE OPERATOR OR APPLICATION OF THE ELEMENT OF

38 CHANCE, OR BOTH, MAY DELIVER OR ENTITLE THE PLAYER WHO OPERATES THE

39 DEVICE TO RECEIVE CASH, PREMIUMS, MERCHANDISE, TOKENS, OR ANYTHING OF

40 VALUE, WHETHER THE PAYOUT IS MADE AUTOMATICALLY FROM THE DEVICE OR IN

41 ANY OTHER MANNER.


6 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (2) "VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL" DOES NOT INCLUDE AN AUTHORIZED

2 SLOT MACHINE OPERATED BY AN ELIGIBLE ORGANIZATION UNDER ARTICLE 27, §

3 264B OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

4 (X) "WESTERN MARYLAND" MEANS ALLEGANY, GARRETT, AND WASHINGTON

5 COUNTIES.

6 2. ADDITIONAL FORMS OR EXPANSION OF COMMERCIAL GAMING PROHIBITED.

7 (A) ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS ARTICLE, THE GENERAL

8 ASSEMBLY MAY NOT AUTHORIZE STATUTORILY ANY ADDITIONAL FORMS OR

9 EXPANSION OF COMMERCIAL GAMING, SUCH AS CASINO-STYLE GAMING,

10 INCLUDING:

11 (1) CARD GAMES;

12 (2) DICE GAMES;

13 (3) ROULETTE;

14 (4) SLOT MACHINES; AND

15 (5) VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

16 (B) THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO:

17 (1) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN ITEM (A)(5) OF THIS SECTION, LOTTERIES

18 CONDUCTED UNDER TITLE 9, SUBTITLE 1 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF

19 THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND;

20 (2) WAGERING ON HORSE RACING CONDUCTED UNDER TITLE 11 OF THE

21 BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND; OR

22 (3) GAMING CONDUCTED BY A BONA FIDE FRATERNAL, CIVIC, WAR

23 VETERANS', RELIGIOUS, OR CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, VOLUNTEER FIRE

24 COMPANY, OR SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR ORGANIZATION DESCRIBED UNDER THE

25 GAMING SUBHEADING OF ARTICLE 27 OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

26 3. VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE REQUIRED.

27 (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL REGULATE THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY

28 TERMINALS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE.

29 (B) ONLY A PERSON WITH A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE ISSUED BY

30 THE COMMISSION MAY OFFER A VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL FOR PUBLIC USE IN THE

31 STATE UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

32 (C) ANY OTHER LAW THAT PROHIBITS THE LOCATION, POSSESSION, KEEPING,

33 MAINTAINING, OR OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS DOES NOT APPLY TO

34 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS AUTHORIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE.


7 HOUSE BILL 678

1 4. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE.

2 (A) IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTICLE, TO

3 QUALIFY FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY LICENSE, AN APPLICANT SHALL BE:

4 (1) A HOLDER OF A LICENSE FOR A TRACK FOR MILE THOROUGHBRED

5 RACING IN ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY;

6 (2) A HOLDER OF A LICENSE FOR A TRACK FOR MILE THOROUGHBRED

7 RACING IN BALTIMORE CITY;

8 (3) A HOLDER OF A LICENSE FOR A RACETRACK FOR HARNESS RACING

9 IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY;

10 (4) IN THE EASTERN SHORE OF MARYLAND AND WESTERN MARYLAND, A

11 PERSON WHO MEETS THE ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS

12 SECTION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR A

13 TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION IN THE STATE; OR

14 (5) A HOLDER OF A PERMIT IN EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 1998, TO OPERATE

15 A SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY UNDER TITLE 11, SUBTITLE 8 OF THE BUSINESS

16 REGULATION ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND WHO MEETS THE

17 ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION FOR THE ISSUANCE

18 OF A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR THE SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY

19 LOCATION FOR WHICH THE APPLICANT HOLDS THE PERMIT TO CONDUCT SATELLITE

20 SIMULCAST BETTING.

21 (B) THE COMMISSION MAY NOT ISSUE:

22 (1) A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE TO AN APPLICANT WHO IS THE

23 HOLDER OF A LICENSE FOR A TRACK DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS

24 SECTION FOR A LOCATION OTHER THAN THE LOCATION OF THE TRACK FOR WHICH

25 THE APPLICANT HOLDS THE TRACK LICENSE;

26 (2) MORE THAN ONE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR EACH OF

27 THE FOLLOWING:

28 (I) A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION ON THE EASTERN SHORE

29 OF MARYLAND;

30 (II) A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION IN WESTERN MARYLAND;

31 AND

32 (III) EACH SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY LOCATION;

33 (3) MORE THAN ONE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE TO ANY

34 PERSON FOR THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS AT A TOURIST

35 DESTINATION LOCATION, A SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY LOCATION, OR BOTH;

36 AND


8 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (4) A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR ANY LOCATION ON STATE

2 PROPERTY.

3 (C) AN APPLICANT FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR A TRACK

4 LOCATION DESCRIBED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION SHALL MEET THE

5 FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

6 (1) THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT THE TRACK LOCATION FOR THE

7 APPLICANT'S VIDEO LOTTERY AND OTHER FACILITIES SHALL COST AT LEAST $100

8 MILLION IN DIRECT INVESTMENT BY THE APPLICANT IN CONSTRUCTION AND

9 RELATED COSTS AT THE TRACK LOCATION;

10 (2) THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE THE EQUIVALENT OF AT LEAST 500

11 ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME JOBS AT THE TRACK LOCATION FOR WHICH THE VIDEO

12 LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE IS SOUGHT; AND

13 (3) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES AND PROCUREMENT

14 RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, THE APPLICANT

15 SHALL MEET THE SAME REQUIREMENTS OF A DESIGNATED UNIT FOR MINORITY

16 BUSINESS PARTICIPATION DESCRIBED UNDER TITLE 14, SUBTITLE 3 OF THE STATE

17 FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

18 (D) AN APPLICANT FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR A TOURIST

19 DESTINATION LOCATION SHALL MEET THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY

20 REQUIREMENTS:

21 (1) THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT THE TOURIST DESTINATION

22 LOCATION FOR THE APPLICANT'S VIDEO LOTTERY AND OTHER FACILITIES SHALL

23 COST AT LEAST $100 MILLION IN DIRECT INVESTMENT BY THE APPLICANT IN

24 CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER RELATED COSTS AT THE TOURIST DESTINATION

25 LOCATION;

26 (2) THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE THE EQUIVALENT OF AT LEAST 800

27 FULL-TIME JOBS AT THE TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION FOR WHICH THE VIDEO

28 LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE IS SOUGHT; AND

29 (3) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES AND PROCUREMENT

30 RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, THE APPLICANT

31 SHALL MEET THE SAME REQUIREMENTS OF A DESIGNATED UNIT FOR MINORITY

32 BUSINESS PARTICIPATION DESCRIBED UNDER TITLE 14, SUBTITLE 3 OF THE STATE

33 FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

34 (E) SUBJECT TO SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION, AN APPLICANT FOR A

35 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE FOR A SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY

36 LOCATION SHALL MEET THE FOLLOWING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

37 (1) THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT AT THE LOCATION OF THE SATELLITE

38 SIMULCAST FACILITY FOR THE APPLICANT'S VIDEO LOTTERY AND OTHER FACILITIES

39 SHALL COST AT LEAST $10 MILLION IN DIRECT INVESTMENT BY THE APPLICANT IN


9 HOUSE BILL 678

1 CONSTRUCTION AND OTHER RELATED COSTS AT THE LOCATION OF THE SATELLITE

2 SIMULCAST FACILITY;

3 (2) THE APPLICANT SHALL PROVIDE THE EQUIVALENT OF AT LEAST 200

4 ADDITIONAL FULL-TIME JOBS AT THE SATELLITE FACILITY LOCATION FOR WHICH

5 THE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE IS SOUGHT; AND

6 (3) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FACILITIES AND PROCUREMENT

7 RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, THE APPLICANT

8 SHALL MEET THE SAME REQUIREMENTS OF A DESIGNATED UNIT FOR MINORITY

9 BUSINESS PARTICIPATION DESCRIBED UNDER TITLE 14, SUBTITLE 3 OF THE STATE

10 FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

11 5. DUTIES OF APPLICANTS AND LICENSEES; DISQUALIFICATION CRITERIA; OTHER

12 REQUIREMENTS.

13 (A) AN APPLICANT FOR A LICENSE SHALL SUBMIT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE

14 COMMISSION AN APPLICATION:

15 (1) IN THE FORM THAT THE COMMISSION REQUIRES; AND

16 (2) ON OR BEFORE THE DATE SET BY THE COMMISSION.

17 (B) (1) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL HAVE THE AFFIRMATIVE

18 RESPONSIBILITY TO ESTABLISH BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE THE

19 PERSON'S QUALIFICATIONS.

20 (2) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL PROVIDE INFORMATION

21 REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE AND SATISFY REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION RELATING

22 TO QUALIFICATIONS IN THE FORM SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION.

23 (3) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL CONSENT TO INSPECTIONS,

24 SEARCHES, AND SEIZURES AUTHORIZED BY THIS ARTICLE OR REGULATIONS ISSUED

25 UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

26 (4) (I) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL HAVE THE CONTINUING

27 DUTY TO:

28 1. PROVIDE ASSISTANCE OR INFORMATION REQUIRED BY

29 THE COMMISSION; AND

30 2. COOPERATE IN AN INQUIRY, INVESTIGATION, OR

31 HEARING CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION.

32 (II) ON ISSUANCE OF A FORMAL REQUEST TO ANSWER OR

33 PRODUCE INFORMATION, EVIDENCE, OR TESTIMONY, IF AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE

34 REFUSES TO COMPLY, THE APPLICATION OR LICENSE OF THE PERSON MAY BE

35 DENIED, SUSPENDED, OR REVOKED BY THE COMMISSION.


10 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (5) AN APPLICANT SHALL BE PHOTOGRAPHED AND FINGERPRINTED

2 FOR IDENTIFICATION AND INVESTIGATION PURPOSES UNDER PROCEDURES

3 ESTABLISHED IN REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION.

4 (6) (I) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL HAVE A DUTY TO INFORM

5 THE COMMISSION OF AN ACT OR OMISSION THAT THE PERSON BELIEVES

6 CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER

7 THIS ARTICLE.

8 (II) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE MAY NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST

9 A PERSON WHO INFORMS THE COMMISSION OF AN ACT OR OMISSION THAT THE

10 PERSON BELIEVES CONSTITUTES A VIOLATION OF THIS ARTICLE OR THE

11 REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

12 (7) AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE SHALL PRODUCE INFORMATION,

13 DOCUMENTATION, AND ASSURANCES TO ESTABLISH THE FOLLOWING

14 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE:

15 (I) THE FINANCIAL STABILITY, INTEGRITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY

16 OF THE APPLICANT OR LICENSEE;

17 (II) THE INTEGRITY OF THE FINANCIAL BACKERS, INVESTORS,

18 MORTGAGEES, BONDHOLDERS, AND HOLDERS OF OTHER EVIDENCES OF

19 INDEBTEDNESS THAT BEAR A RELATION TO THE APPLICATION;

20 (III) THE APPLICANT'S OR LICENSEE'S GOOD CHARACTER, HONESTY,

21 AND INTEGRITY;

22 (IV) SUFFICIENT BUSINESS ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE OF THE

23 APPLICANT OR LICENSEE;

24 (V) THE SUITABILITY OF THE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY AND ITS

25 LOCATION; AND

26 (VI) THE GOOD FAITH EFFORTS OF THE APPLICANT OR LICENSEE

27 TO PROVIDE FOR OWNERSHIP WITH INDICATION OF PERCENTAGE AND TYPE, SUCH

28 AS EQUITY PARTNER OR SPECIFIC PERCENTAGE SHAREHOLDER, BY MINORITY

29 INDIVIDUALS, WOMEN, AND BUSINESS ENTITIES OWNED BY MINORITY INDIVIDUALS

30 OR BY WOMEN.

31 (8) IN ADDITION TO OTHER INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE,

32 A CORPORATION APPLYING FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE SHALL

33 PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

34 (I) THE ORGANIZATION, FINANCIAL STRUCTURE, AND NATURE OF

35 ALL BUSINESSES OPERATED BY THE CORPORATION;

36 (II) THE NAMES, PERSONAL EMPLOYMENT, AND CRIMINAL

37 HISTORIES OF OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND PRINCIPAL EMPLOYEES OF THE

38 CORPORATION;


11 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (III) THE NAMES OF ALL HOLDING, INTERMEDIARY, AND

2 SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES OF THE CORPORATION;

3 (IV) THE ORGANIZATION, FINANCIAL STRUCTURE, AND NATURE OF

4 ALL BUSINESSES OPERATED BY THE CORPORATION'S HOLDING, INTERMEDIARY, AND

5 SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES;

6 (V) THE RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDERS OF

7 DIFFERENT CLASSES OF AUTHORIZED SECURITIES OF THE CORPORATION AND ITS

8 HOLDING, INTERMEDIARY, AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES;

9 (VI) THE TERMS ON WHICH THE SECURITIES HAVE BEEN OR ARE TO

10 BE OFFERED;

11 (VII) THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ALL OUTSTANDING LOANS,

12 MORTGAGES, TRUST DEEDS, PLEDGES, OR OTHER INDEBTEDNESS OR SECURITY

13 DEVICES UTILIZED BY THE CORPORATION;

14 (VIII) THE EXTENT OF THE EQUITY SECURITY HOLDING IN THE

15 CORPORATION OF THE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, AND UNDERWRITERS AND THEIR

16 REMUNERATION IN THE FORM OF SALARY, WAGES, FEES, OR OTHERWISE;

17 (IX) THE NAMES OF PERSONS OTHER THAN DIRECTORS AND

18 OFFICERS WHO OCCUPY POSITIONS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSION OR WHOSE

19 COMPENSATION EXCEEDS AN AMOUNT DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION;

20 (X) THE NAMES OF PERSONS WHO OWN OR CONTROL THE

21 CORPORATION;

22 (XI) A DESCRIPTION OF ALL BONUS AND PROFIT-SHARING

23 ARRANGEMENTS;

24 (XII) COPIES OF MANAGEMENT AND SERVICE CONTRACTS; AND

25 (XIII) A LISTING OF STOCK OPTIONS.

26 (9) IF A CORPORATION THAT APPLIES FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY

27 LICENSE IS, OR IF A CORPORATION HOLDING A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE IS

28 TO BECOME, A SUBSIDIARY, EACH HOLDING COMPANY AND EACH INTERMEDIARY

29 COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE CORPORATION SHALL, AS A CONDITION OF THE

30 SUBSIDIARY ACQUIRING OR RETAINING A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE:

31 (I) QUALIFY TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE OF MARYLAND;

32 (II) IF IT IS A CORPORATION, FURNISH THE COMMISSION WITH THE

33 INFORMATION REQUIRED OF A CORPORATE APPLICANT SPECIFIED IN PARAGRAPH (8)

34 OF THIS SUBSECTION AND OTHER INFORMATION THAT THE COMMISSION MAY

35 REQUIRE; OR


12 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (III) IF IT IS NOT A CORPORATION, FURNISH THE COMMISSION WITH

2 THE INFORMATION THE COMMISSION MAY REQUIRE.

3 (10) A NONCORPORATE APPLICANT FOR A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY

4 LICENSE SHALL PROVIDE THE INFORMATION REQUIRED UNDER PARAGRAPH (8) OF

5 THIS SUBSECTION IN THE FORM REQUIRED BY THE COMMISSION.

6 (11) THE COMMISSION SHALL DENY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE

7 TO AN APPLICANT WHO IS DISQUALIFIED ON THE BASIS OF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING

8 CRITERIA:

9 (I) FAILURE OF THE APPLICANT TO PROVE BY CLEAR AND

10 CONVINCING EVIDENCE THAT THE APPLICANT AND EACH PERSON WHO OWNS OR

11 CONTROLS THE APPLICANT ARE QUALIFIED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THIS

12 ARTICLE;

13 (II) FAILURE OF THE APPLICANT OR ANY PERSON REQUIRED TO BE

14 QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE TO PROVIDE

15 INFORMATION, DOCUMENTATION, AND ASSURANCES REQUIRED BY THIS ARTICLE OR

16 REQUESTED BY THE COMMISSION;

17 (III) FAILURE OF THE APPLICANT OR ANY PERSON REQUIRED TO BE

18 QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE TO REVEAL ANY

19 FACT MATERIAL TO QUALIFICATION;

20 (IV) SUPPLYING, BY THE APPLICANT OR ANY PERSON REQUIRED TO

21 BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE, OF

22 INFORMATION THAT IS UNTRUE OR MISLEADING AS TO A MATERIAL FACT

23 CONCERNING THE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA;

24 (V) THE CONVICTION OF THE APPLICANT OR OF ANY PERSON

25 REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE

26 OF AN OFFENSE UNDER THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY JURISDICTION

27 WITHIN THE UNITED STATES THAT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE INVOLVING MORAL

28 TURPITUDE OR A GAMBLING OFFENSE;

29 (VI) CURRENT PROSECUTION OF THE APPLICANT OR A PERSON

30 WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A

31 LICENSE FOR AN OFFENSE DESCRIBED UNDER ITEM (V) OF THIS PARAGRAPH;

32 HOWEVER, AT THE REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT, THE COMMISSION SHALL DEFER

33 DECISION ON THE APPLICATION DURING THE PENDENCY OF THE CHARGE;

34 (VII) THE PURSUIT BY THE APPLICANT OR A PERSON WHO IS

35 REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE

36 OF ECONOMIC GAIN IN AN OCCUPATIONAL MANNER OR CONTEXT THAT IS IN

37 VIOLATION OF THE CRIMINAL OR CIVIL PUBLIC POLICIES OF THE STATE, IF THE

38 PURSUIT CREATES A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT PARTICIPATION OF THE APPLICANT

39 IN VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS WOULD BE INIMICAL TO THE POLICIES OF THIS

40 ARTICLE;


13 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (VIII) THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT OR A PERSON WHO

2 IS REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A LICENSE

3 AS A CAREER OFFENDER OR A MEMBER OF A CAREER OFFENDER CARTEL OR AN

4 ASSOCIATE OF A CAREER OFFENDER OR CAREER OFFENDER CARTEL IN A MANNER

5 THAT CREATES A REASONABLE BELIEF THAT THE ASSOCIATION IS OF A NATURE AS

6 TO BE INIMICAL TO THE POLICIES OF THIS ARTICLE;

7 (IX) THE COMMITTING OF AN ACT BY THE APPLICANT OR A PERSON

8 WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A

9 LICENSE THAT WOULD CONSTITUTE AN OFFENSE DESCRIBED UNDER ITEM (V) OF

10 THIS PARAGRAPH, EVEN IF THE ACT HAS NOT OR MAY NOT BE PROSECUTED UNDER

11 THE CRIMINAL LAWS OF THE STATE; AND

12 (X) CONTUMACIOUS DEFIANCE BY THE APPLICANT OR A PERSON

13 WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A

14 LICENSE OF A LEGISLATIVE INVESTIGATORY BODY OR OTHER OFFICIAL

15 INVESTIGATORY BODY OF THE UNITED STATES OR A JURISDICTION WITHIN THE

16 UNITED STATES WHEN THE BODY IS ENGAGED IN THE INVESTIGATION OF CRIMES

17 RELATING TO GAMBLING, OFFICIAL CORRUPTION, OR ORGANIZED CRIME ACTIVITY.

18 (C) (1) ON THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR ANY LICENSE REQUIRED

19 UNDER THIS ARTICLE AND ANY SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION REQUIRED BY THE

20 COMMISSION, THE COMMISSION SHALL CONDUCT A BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

21 AND A HEARING ON THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE APPLICANT AND ANY PERSON

22 WHO IS REQUIRED TO BE QUALIFIED UNDER THIS ARTICLE AS A CONDITION OF A

23 LICENSE.

24 (2) AFTER THE INVESTIGATION AND HEARING, THE COMMISSION MAY

25 EITHER GRANT A LICENSE TO AN APPLICANT WHOM THE COMMISSION DETERMINES

26 TO BE QUALIFIED OR DENY THE APPLICATION TO AN APPLICANT WHOM THE

27 COMMISSION DETERMINES TO BE NOT QUALIFIED OR DISQUALIFIED.

28 (3) IF MORE THAN ONE APPLICANT IS QUALIFIED FOR A LICENSE, THE

29 COMMISSION SHALL:

30 (I) GRANT A LICENSE TO THE APPLICANT THAT THE COMMISSION

31 DETERMINES IS LIKELY TO PROVIDE THE GREATEST BENEFIT TO THE STATE AND

32 THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE LICENSEE IS TO BE LOCATED; AND

33 (II) DENY A LICENSE TO ANY OTHER APPLICANT FOR THAT

34 LICENSE.

35 (4) IF AN APPLICATION IS DENIED, THE COMMISSION SHALL PREPARE

36 AND FILE AN ORDER DENYING THE APPLICATION WITH A STATEMENT OF THE

37 REASONS FOR THE DENIAL, INCLUDING THE SPECIFIC FINDINGS OF FACT.

38 (5) IF SATISFIED THAT AN APPLICANT IS QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE A

39 LICENSE, AND ON TENDER OF ALL REQUIRED APPLICATION, LICENSE, AND OTHER

40 FEES AND TAXES, AND ANY BONDS AS THE COMMISSION MAY REQUIRE FOR THE

41 FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE OF THE REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED BY THIS ARTICLE, ANY


14 HOUSE BILL 678

1 STATUTE, AND THE REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, THE COMMISSION

2 SHALL ISSUE A LICENSE FOR A TERM OF 1 YEAR.

3 (6) (I) THE COMMISSION SHALL SET, BY REGULATION, THE AMOUNT

4 OF THE BOND OR BONDS TO BE REQUIRED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION IN THE

5 AMOUNTS THE COMMISSION MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE.

6 (II) THE BONDS FURNISHED MAY BE APPLIED BY THE COMMISSION

7 TO THE PAYMENT OF AN UNPAID LIABILITY OF THE LICENSEE.

8 (7) SUBJECT TO THE POWER OF THE COMMISSION TO DENY, REVOKE, OR

9 SUSPEND A LICENSE, A LICENSE IN FORCE SHALL BE RENEWED BY THE COMMISSION

10 FOR THE NEXT SUCCEEDING LICENSE PERIOD ON:

11 (I) PROPER APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL; AND

12 (II) PAYMENT OF ALL REQUIRED APPLICATION, LICENSE, AND

13 OTHER FEES AND TAXES.

14 (D) (1) ON THE REQUEST OF AN APPLICANT FOR A LICENSE, THE

15 COMMISSION MAY GRANT AN EXEMPTION OR WAIVER OF ANY REQUIREMENT UNDER

16 SUBSECTION (B) OR SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION IF THE COMMISSION

17 CONSIDERS THAT THE REQUIREMENT IS NOT NECESSARY IN ORDER TO PROTECT

18 THE PUBLIC INTEREST OR ACCOMPLISH THE POLICIES ESTABLISHED BY THIS

19 ARTICLE.

20 (2) ON GRANTING TO AN APPLICANT AN EXEMPTION OR WAIVER OF A

21 REQUIREMENT OF SUBSECTION (B) OR (C) OF THIS SECTION, OR AT ANY TIME AFTER

22 AN EXEMPTION OR WAIVER IS GRANTED, THE COMMISSION:

23 (I) MAY LIMIT OR PLACE RESTRICTIONS ON THE EXEMPTION OR

24 WAIVER AS THE COMMISSION DEEMS NECESSARY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST; AND

25 (II) SHALL REQUIRE THE PERSON WHO IS GRANTED THE

26 EXEMPTION OR WAIVER TO COOPERATE WITH THE COMMISSION AND, ON REQUEST,

27 TO PROVIDE INFORMATION IN THE SAME MANNER AS REQUIRED OF A LICENSED

28 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

29 (E) (1) BECAUSE THE PUBLIC HAS A VITAL INTEREST IN VIDEO LOTTERY

30 OPERATIONS AND HAS ESTABLISHED A LIMITED EXCEPTION TO THE POLICY OF THE

31 STATE CONCERNING GAMING FOR PRIVATE GAIN, PARTICIPATION IN VIDEO LOTTERY

32 OPERATIONS BY A LICENSEE UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE DEEMED A REVOCABLE

33 PRIVILEGE CONDITIONED ON THE PROPER AND CONTINUED QUALIFICATION OF THE

34 LICENSEE AND ON THE DISCHARGE OF THE AFFIRMATIVE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH

35 LICENSEE TO PROVIDE TO THE REGULATORY AND INVESTIGATORY AUTHORITIES

36 UNDER THIS ARTICLE OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, ANY ASSISTANCE AND

37 INFORMATION NECESSARY TO ASSURE THAT THE POLICIES DECLARED BY THIS

38 ARTICLE ARE ACHIEVED.


15 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (2) CONSISTENT WITH THE POLICY DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (1) OF

2 THIS SUBSECTION, IT IS THE INTENT OF THIS SUBSECTION TO:

3 (I) PRECLUDE:

4 1. THE CREATION OF ANY PROPERTY RIGHT IN ANY LICENSE

5 REQUIRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

6 2. THE ACCRUAL OF ANY VALUE TO THE PRIVILEGE OF

7 PARTICIPATION IN VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS; AND

8 3. THE TRANSFER OF ANY LICENSE ISSUED UNDER THIS

9 ARTICLE; AND

10 (II) REQUIRE THAT PARTICIPATION IN VIDEO LOTTERY

11 OPERATIONS BE CONDITIONED SOLELY ON THE INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS OF

12 THE PERSON WHO SEEKS THE PRIVILEGE.

13 (F) IF THE COMMISSION ISSUES A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE TO AN

14 APPLICANT FOR A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION, THE STATE RACING

15 COMMISSION SHALL ISSUE TO THE PERSON A PERMIT TO CONDUCT SATELLITE

16 SIMULCAST BETTING AT THE TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION.

17 (G) (1) EACH VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL DEVICE, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT,

18 AND THE CENTRAL COMPUTER SHALL BE:

19 (I) OWNED OR LEASED BY THE COMMISSION; AND

20 (II) UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMISSION.

21 (2) A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE AT A TRACK FACILITY

22 LOCATION OR A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION MAY NOT OPERATE MORE THAN

23 2,000 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

24 (3) A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE AT A SATELLITE SIMULCAST

25 FACILITY THAT IS NOT A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION MAY NOT OPERATE MORE

26 THAN 250 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS.

27 (H) (1) UNLESS A PERSON HOLDS A VALID VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATOR

28 LICENSE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION, THE PERSON MAY NOT ENTER INTO A

29 MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT, OR ANY OTHER BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, WITH A

30 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE OR APPLICANT FOR THE OPERATION OR THE

31 MANAGEMENT OF THE LICENSEE'S OR APPLICANT'S VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY OR TO

32 SHARE IN THE PROCEEDS FROM THE LICENSEE'S OR APPLICANT'S VIDEO LOTTERY

33 FACILITY.

34 (2) EACH VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATOR AND EACH OTHER PERSON WHO

35 OWNS OR CONTROLS THE VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATOR, MANAGEMENT AND

36 SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL, AND OTHER PRINCIPAL EMPLOYEES SHALL QUALIFY


16 HOUSE BILL 678

1 UNDER THE STANDARDS AND PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C)

2 OF THIS SECTION FOR LICENSEES.

3 (3) THE COMMISSION MAY NOT GRANT AN EXEMPTION OR WAIVER OF

4 ANY LICENSING REQUIREMENT TO AN APPLICANT FOR OR HOLDER OF A VIDEO

5 LOTTERY OPERATOR LICENSE.

6 (4) A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE OR APPLICANT SHALL FILE

7 WITH THE COMMISSION ANY CURRENT OR PROPOSED OPERATION OR MANAGEMENT

8 AGREEMENT WITH ANY PERSON, WHICH AGREEMENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO

9 APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSION.

10 (5) A LICENSED VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATOR MAY NOT ENTER INTO AN

11 AGREEMENT DESCRIBED UNDER THIS SUBSECTION WITH MORE THAN ONE VIDEO

12 LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE.

13 (I) (1) UNLESS A PERSON HOLDS A VALID VIDEO LOTTERY EMPLOYEE

14 LICENSE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION, THE PERSON MAY NOT BE EMPLOYED BY A

15 LICENSEE AS A VIDEO LOTTERY EMPLOYEE.

16 (2) UNLESS A PERSON HOLDS A VALID SERVICE TECHNICIAN LICENSE

17 ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION, THE PERSON MAY NOT PROVIDE SERVICE AS A

18 SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

19 (3) BEFORE ISSUANCE OF A LICENSE, AN APPLICANT FOR A VIDEO

20 LOTTERY EMPLOYEE LICENSE OR SERVICE TECHNICIAN LICENSE SHALL PROVIDE

21 SUFFICIENT INFORMATION, DOCUMENTATION, AND ASSURANCES TO MEET THE

22 QUALIFICATION CRITERIA CONTAINED IN REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED BY

23 THE COMMISSION.

24 (4) THE COMMISSION SHALL DENY A VIDEO LOTTERY EMPLOYEE

25 LICENSE OR SERVICE TECHNICIAN LICENSE TO AN APPLICANT WHO IS

26 DISQUALIFIED ON THE BASIS OF CRITERIA AND PROCEDURES CONTAINED IN

27 REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION.

28 (J) (1) UNLESS A MANUFACTURER HOLDS A VALID MANUFACTURER

29 LICENSE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION BEFORE CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH A

30 LICENSEE OR THE STATE, THE MANUFACTURER MAY NOT OFFER ANY VIDEO

31 LOTTERY TERMINAL, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, CENTRAL COMPUTER, OR GOODS OR

32 SERVICES THAT DIRECTLY RELATE TO THE OPERATION OF VIDEO LOTTERY

33 TERMINALS.

34 (2) EACH MANUFACTURER, AND EACH PERSON WHO OWNS OR

35 CONTROLS THE MANUFACTURER, MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY PERSONNEL,

36 AND OTHER PRINCIPAL EMPLOYEES SHALL QUALIFY UNDER THE STANDARDS AND

37 PROVISIONS SET FORTH IN SUBSECTIONS (B) AND (C) OF THIS SECTION FOR

38 LICENSEES.


17 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (3) THE COMMISSION MAY NOT GRANT AN EXEMPTION OR WAIVER OF

2 ANY LICENSING REQUIREMENT TO AN APPLICANT FOR OR HOLDER OF A

3 MANUFACTURER LICENSE.

4 (4) A MANUFACTURER OF THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS,

5 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND CENTRAL COMPUTER SHALL MANUFACTURE OR

6 DISTRIBUTE THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND

7 CENTRAL COMPUTER THAT MEET SPECIFICATIONS AND PROCEDURES CONTAINED

8 IN REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION.

9 (K) (1) THE COMMISSION SHALL CONTRACT WITH ONE OR MORE LICENSED

10 MANUFACTURERS FOR THE LEASE OR PURCHASE OF THE VIDEO LOTTERY

11 TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND CENTRAL COMPUTER AUTHORIZED

12 UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

13 (2) THE COMMISSION SHALL COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF

14 THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF

15 MARYLAND, INCLUDING REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPETITIVE BIDS FOR

16 PROCUREMENT CONTRACTS.

17 6. LICENSE SANCTIONS AND PENALTIES.

18 (A) THE COMMISSION MAY DENY A LICENSE TO AN APPLICANT, REPRIMAND

19 OR FINE A LICENSEE, OR SUSPEND OR REVOKE A LICENSE FOR A VIOLATION OF:

20 (1) THIS ARTICLE;

21 (2) A REGULATION ADOPTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

22 (3) A STATUTE ENACTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE; OR

23 (4) A CONDITION THAT THE COMMISSION SETS.

24 (B) (1) FOR EACH VIOLATION SPECIFIED IN SUBSECTION (A) OF THIS

25 SECTION, THE COMMISSION MAY IMPOSE A PENALTY NOT EXCEEDING $5,000

26 PAYABLE TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9 OF THIS

27 ARTICLE.

28 (2) EACH DAY THAT A PERSON IS IN VIOLATION UNDER THIS SECTION

29 SHALL BE CONSIDERED A SEPARATE VIOLATION.

30 (3) TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF THE PENALTY IMPOSED UNDER

31 PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION, THE COMMISSION SHALL CONSIDER:

32 (I) THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE VIOLATION;

33 (II) THE HARM CAUSED BY THE VIOLATION; AND

34 (III) THE GOOD FAITH OR LACK OF GOOD FAITH OF THE PERSON

35 WHO COMMITTED THE VIOLATION.


18 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (C) EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE,

2 NOTHING CONTAINED IN THIS ARTICLE ABROGATES OR LIMITS THE CRIMINAL LAWS

3 OF THIS STATE OR LIMITS THE AUTHORITY OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ENACT

4 STATUTES ESTABLISHING CRIMINAL OFFENSES AND PENALTIES RELATING TO

5 VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS.

6 7. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION.

7 (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL:

8 (1) HEAR AND DECIDE PROMPTLY AND IN REASONABLE ORDER LICENSE

9 APPLICATIONS AND CAUSES AFFECTING THE GRANTING, SUSPENSION, REVOCATION,

10 OR RENEWAL OF LICENSES UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

11 (2) CONDUCT HEARINGS CONCERNING CIVIL VIOLATIONS OF THIS

12 ARTICLE OR REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

13 (3) ISSUE REGULATIONS AS IN ITS JUDGMENT MAY BE NECESSARY TO

14 FULFILL THE POLICIES OF THIS ARTICLE;

15 (4) ESTABLISH AND COLLECT APPLICATION, LICENSE, AND OTHER FEES

16 TO COVER THE COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THIS ARTICLE, EXCEPT THE COSTS

17 DESCRIBED UNDER § 8(B)(1)(I) AND (II) OF THIS ARTICLE;

18 (5) APPLY APPLICATION, LICENSE, AND OTHER FEES TO COVER THE

19 COSTS OF ADMINISTERING THIS ARTICLE, EXCEPT THE COSTS DESCRIBED UNDER §

20 8(B)(1)(I) AND (II) OF THIS ARTICLE;

21 (6) ESTABLISH AN ANNUAL FEE, TO BE PAID BY EACH VIDEO LOTTERY

22 LICENSEE AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE COMMISSION TO THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING

23 FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER § 13 OF THIS ARTICLE, OF $350 FOR EACH VIDEO

24 LOTTERY TERMINAL OPERATED BY THE LICENSEE DURING THE YEAR;

25 (7) LEVY AND COLLECT CIVIL PENALTIES THAT SHALL BE PAID TO THE

26 EDUCATION TRUST FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9 OF THIS ARTICLE FOR CIVIL

27 VIOLATIONS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE, REGULATIONS ISSUED UNDER

28 THIS ARTICLE, OR ANY STATUTE ENACTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE;

29 (8) BE PRESENT AT A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY THROUGH ITS

30 EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS AT ANY TIME DURING THE OPERATION OF ANY VIDEO

31 LOTTERY TERMINAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF CERTIFYING REVENUE FROM THE VIDEO

32 LOTTERY TERMINALS, RECEIVING COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC, AND

33 CONDUCTING ANY OTHER INVESTIGATION INTO THE OPERATION OF THE VIDEO

34 LOTTERY TERMINALS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS

35 AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AS THE COMMISSION MAY DEEM NECESSARY AND

36 PROPER; AND

37 (9) REVIEW AND RULE ON ANY COMPLAINT BY A LICENSEE REGARDING

38 ANY INVESTIGATIVE PROCEDURES OF THE COMMISSION THAT ARE UNNECESSARILY

39 DISRUPTIVE OF VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS.


19 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (B) (1) THE COMMISSION'S NEED TO INSPECT AND INVESTIGATE SHALL BE

2 PRESUMED AT ALL TIMES.

3 (2) THE DISRUPTION OF A LICENSEE'S VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS

4 SHALL BE PROVED BY CLEAR AND CONVINCING EVIDENCE, AND ESTABLISH THAT:

5 (I) THE PROCEDURES HAD NO REASONABLE LAW ENFORCEMENT

6 PURPOSE; AND

7 (II) THE PROCEDURES WERE SO DISRUPTIVE AS TO INHIBIT THE

8 LICENSEE'S VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS.

9 (C) THE COMMISSION SHALL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO:

10 (1) ISSUE SUBPOENAS AND TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF

11 WITNESSES AT ANY PLACE WITHIN THE STATE;

12 (2) ADMINISTER OATHS AND TO REQUIRE TESTIMONY UNDER OATH

13 BEFORE THE COMMISSION IN THE COURSE OF ANY INVESTIGATION OR HEARING

14 CONDUCTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

15 (3) SERVE OR CAUSE TO BE SERVED ITS PROCESS OR NOTICES IN A

16 MANNER PROVIDED FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS IN CIVIL ACTIONS UNDER THE

17 MARYLAND RULES; AND

18 (4) PROPOUND WRITTEN INTERROGATORIES.

19 (D) EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS ARTICLE, THE COMMISSION

20 SHALL CONDUCT A HEARING IN THE SAME MANNER AS SPECIFIED IN TITLE 10,

21 SUBTITLE 2 OF THE STATE GOVERNMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF

22 MARYLAND.

23 (E) THE COMMISSION SHALL ADOPT REGULATIONS THAT INCLUDE THE

24 FOLLOWING SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE:

25 (1) REQUIRING THE METHODS AND FORMS OF APPLICATION THAT AN

26 APPLICANT FOR ANY LICENSE REQUIRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE SHALL FOLLOW AND

27 COMPLETE BEFORE CONSIDERATION OF THE APPLICATION BY THE COMMISSION;

28 (2) REQUIRING THE METHODS, PROCEDURES, AND FORM FOR DELIVERY

29 OF INFORMATION FROM AN APPLICANT OR LICENSEE CONCERNING ANY PERSON'S

30 FAMILY, HABITS, CHARACTER, ASSOCIATES, CRIMINAL RECORD, BUSINESS

31 ACTIVITIES, AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS;

32 (3) REQUIRING THE PROCEDURES FOR THE FINGERPRINTING OF AN

33 APPLICANT FOR ANY LICENSE REQUIRED UNDER THIS ARTICLE OR OTHER METHODS

34 OF IDENTIFICATION THAT MAY BE NECESSARY IN THE JUDGMENT OF THE

35 COMMISSION TO ACCOMPLISH EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF

36 THIS ARTICLE;


20 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (4) REQUIRING THE MANNER AND PROCEDURE OF HEARINGS

2 CONDUCTED BY THE COMMISSION;

3 (5) REQUIRING THE MANNER AND METHOD OF COLLECTION OF TAXES,

4 FEES, AND CIVIL PENALTIES;

5 (6) DEFINING AND LIMITING THE AREAS OF OPERATION FOR VIDEO

6 LOTTERY TERMINALS, RULES OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ODDS FOR VIDEO

7 LOTTERY TERMINALS, AND THE METHOD OF OPERATION OF THE VIDEO LOTTERY

8 TERMINALS;

9 (7) REGULATING THE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES FOR NEGOTIABLE

10 TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING PLAYERS, INCLUDING LIMITATIONS ON THE

11 CIRCUMSTANCES AND AMOUNTS OF NEGOTIABLE TRANSACTIONS, AND THE

12 ESTABLISHMENT OF FORMS AND PROCEDURES FOR NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENT

13 TRANSACTIONS, REDEMPTIONS, AND CONSOLIDATIONS;

14 (8) PRESCRIBING THE GROUNDS AND PROCEDURES FOR REPRIMANDS

15 OR THE REVOCATION OR SUSPENSION OF LICENSES ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE;

16 (9) GOVERNING THE MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, SALE, AND

17 SERVICING OF VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS;

18 (10) REQUIRING THE PROCEDURES, FORMS, AND METHODS OF

19 MANAGEMENT CONTROLS;

20 (11) PROVIDING FOR MINIMUM UNIFORM STANDARDS OF ACCOUNTANCY

21 METHODS, PROCEDURES, AND FORMS AS ARE NECESSARY TO ASSURE CONSISTENCY,

22 COMPARABILITY, AND EFFECTIVE DISCLOSURE OF ALL FINANCIAL INFORMATION,

23 INCLUDING PERCENTAGES OF PROFIT FOR VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS;

24 (12) REQUIRING PERIODIC FINANCIAL REPORTS AND THE FORM OF THE

25 REPORTS, INCLUDING AN ANNUAL AUDIT PREPARED BY A CERTIFIED PUBLIC

26 ACCOUNTANT LICENSED TO DO BUSINESS IN THE STATE, DISCLOSING WHETHER

27 THE ACCOUNTS, RECORDS, AND CONTROL PROCEDURES EXAMINED ARE

28 MAINTAINED BY THE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE AS REQUIRED BY THIS

29 ARTICLE, THE REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, AND

30 ANY STATUTE ENACTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE;

31 (13) LIMITING SIGNS AND OTHER ON-SITE ADVERTISING WITH A VIEW

32 TOWARD MINIMIZING SOLICITATION FOR VIDEO LOTTERY PURPOSES FROM THE

33 PUBLIC THOROUGHFARES OR OTHERWISE DOMINATING OR DESPOILING THE

34 ENVIRONMENT;

35 (14) PROHIBITING A LICENSEE FROM ALLOWING A MINOR TO PLAY A

36 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINAL; AND

37 (15) ESTABLISHING PAYOUT PERCENTAGE FOR VIDEO LOTTERY

38 TERMINALS OF NOT LESS THAN 83% ON AN AVERAGE ANNUAL BASIS.


21 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (F) (1) THE COMMISSION, BY REGULATION, SHALL PROVIDE FOR THE

2 ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIST OF PERSONS WHO ARE TO BE EXCLUDED OR EJECTED

3 FROM ANY VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSED UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

4 (2) THE REGULATIONS UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL DEFINE THE

5 STANDARDS FOR EXCLUSION OR EJECTION AND SHALL INCLUDE STANDARDS

6 RELATING TO PERSONS:

7 (I) WHO ARE CAREER OFFENDERS AS DEFINED BY REGULATIONS

8 THAT SHALL BE ISSUED BY THE COMMISSION;

9 (II) WHO HAVE BEEN CONVICTED OF A CRIMINAL OFFENSE UNDER

10 THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OR ANY JURISDICTION WITHIN THE UNITED

11 STATES THAT IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE INVOLVING MORAL TURPITUDE OR A

12 GAMBLING OFFENSE; OR

13 (III) WHOSE PRESENCE IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LICENSEE

14 WOULD BE, IN THE OPINION OF THE COMMISSION, INIMICAL TO THE INTEREST OF

15 THE STATE, THE LICENSEE, OR THE PERSON.

16 (3) THE COMMISSION MAY IMPOSE SANCTIONS ON A LICENSEE IN

17 ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ARTICLE IF THE LICENSEE KNOWINGLY FAILS TO EXCLUDE

18 OR EJECT FROM THE PREMISES OF THE LICENSEE A PERSON PLACED BY THE

19 COMMISSION ON THE LIST OF PERSONS TO BE EXCLUDED OR EJECTED.

20 (4) AN ORDER UNDER THIS SUBSECTION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO

21 JUDICIAL REVIEW.

22 (5) RACE, COLOR, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR ANCESTRY, OR SEX MAY

23 NOT BE A REASON FOR PLACING THE NAME OF A PERSON ON THE LIST OF PERSONS

24 TO BE EXCLUDED OR EJECTED.

25 (G) (1) THE COMMISSION SHALL PROMPTLY AND IN REASONABLE ORDER

26 INVESTIGATE ALL APPLICATIONS AND ENFORCE THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ARTICLE,

27 REGULATIONS THAT SHALL BE ISSUED UNDER THIS ARTICLE, AND ANY STATUTE

28 ENACTED PURSUANT TO THIS ARTICLE.

29 (2) THE COMMISSION AND ITS EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS SHALL HAVE

30 THE AUTHORITY, WITHOUT NOTICE AND WITHOUT WARRANT, TO:

31 (I) INSPECT AND EXAMINE ALL PREMISES IN WHICH VIDEO

32 LOTTERY OPERATIONS UNDER THIS ARTICLE ARE CONDUCTED OR ANY AUTHORIZED

33 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, OR CENTRAL COMPUTER

34 ARE DESIGNED, BUILT, CONSTRUCTED, ASSEMBLED, MANUFACTURED, SOLD,

35 DISTRIBUTED, OR SERVICED, OR IN WHICH RECORDS OF THOSE ACTIVITIES ARE

36 PREPARED OR MAINTAINED;

37 (II) INSPECT ANY VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED

38 EQUIPMENT, OR CENTRAL COMPUTER IN, ABOUT, ON, OR AROUND THOSE PREMISES;


22 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (III) SEIZE SUMMARILY AND REMOVE FROM THOSE PREMISES AND

2 IMPOUND, OR ASSUME PHYSICAL CONTROL OF, ANY VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS,

3 ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, OR CENTRAL COMPUTER FOR THE PURPOSES OF

4 EXAMINATION AND INSPECTION;

5 (IV) INSPECT, EXAMINE, AND AUDIT BOOKS, RECORDS, AND

6 DOCUMENTS CONCERNING A LICENSEE'S VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATIONS; AND

7 (V) SEIZE, IMPOUND, OR ASSUME PHYSICAL CONTROL OF BOOKS,

8 RECORDS, LEDGERS, CASH BOXES AND THEIR CONTENTS, A COUNTING ROOM OR ITS

9 EQUIPMENT, OR OTHER PHYSICAL OBJECTS RELATING TO VIDEO LOTTERY

10 OPERATIONS.

11 8. DISTRIBUTION OF PROCEEDS.

12 (A) THE PROCEEDS FROM VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS SHALL BE UNDER THE

13 CONTROL OF THE COMMISSION AND SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED AS PROVIDED IN THIS

14 SECTION.

15 (B) (1) FROM THE PROCEEDS FROM VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, THE

16 COMMISSION SHALL INITIALLY PAY, BASED ON A SCHEDULE DETERMINED BY THE

17 COMMISSION:

18 (I) THE COSTS OF LEASING, OR THE CAPITALIZED COST OF

19 PURCHASING, THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND

20 CENTRAL COMPUTER;

21 (II) THE COSTS TO REPAIR AND MAINTAIN THE VIDEO LOTTERY

22 TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND CENTRAL COMPUTER TO THE EXTENT

23 THESE COSTS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE COSTS OF LEASING OR PURCHASING THE

24 VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS, ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT, AND CENTRAL COMPUTER;

25 AND

26 (III) SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF PARAGRAPH (2) OF THIS

27 SUBSECTION, AN AMOUNT TO THE GENERAL FUND SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE

28 GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR LOCAL IMPACT GRANTS TO COUNTIES FOR

29 INFRASTRUCTURE, FACILITIES, SERVICES, REDEVELOPMENT, AND OTHER

30 IMPROVEMENTS IN COUNTIES WHERE PIMLICO RACE COURSE, LAUREL RACE

31 COURSE, ROSECROFT RACEWAY, AND VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITIES AT TOURIST

32 DESTINATION LOCATIONS AND SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITIES ARE LOCATED

33 THAT SHALL BE:

34 1. AT LEAST $27,400 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY OF OPERATION

35 BY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE LOCATED AT A TRACK IN A COUNTY WITH

36 A POPULATION DENSITY OF MORE THAN 2,500 PER SQUARE MILE;

37 2. AT LEAST $21,925 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY OF OPERATION

38 BY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE LOCATED AT A TRACK IN A COUNTY WITH

39 A POPULATION DENSITY OF MORE THAN 1,500 PER SQUARE MILE;


23 HOUSE BILL 678

1 3. AT LEAST $16,450 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY OF OPERATION

2 BY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE LOCATED AT A TRACK IN A COUNTY WITH

3 A POPULATION DENSITY OF MORE THAN 1,000 PER SQUARE MILE;

4 4. AT LEAST $2,750 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY OF OPERATION

5 BY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE LOCATED AT A TOURIST DESTINATION

6 LOCATION; AND

7 5. AT LEAST $1,400 PER DAY FOR EACH DAY OF OPERATION

8 BY A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE LOCATED AT A SATELLITE SIMULCAST

9 FACILITY THAT IS NOT A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION.

10 (2) IF A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE IS ISSUED FOR THE LAUREL

11 RACE COURSE LOCATION, THE LOCAL IMPACT GRANT FOR THAT LOCATION SHALL BE

12 DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS:

13 (I) 60% TO ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY;

14 (II) 20% TO HOWARD COUNTY; AND

15 (III) 20% TO THE CITY OF LAUREL.

16 (3) POPULATION DENSITY UNDER ITEM (1)(III) OF THIS SUBSECTION

17 SHALL BE DETERMINED BY THE MARYLAND OFFICE OF PLANNING BASED ON THE

18 OFFICIAL 1997 POPULATION ESTIMATE FOR THE YEAR 2000.

19 (4) THE LOCAL IMPACT GRANTS IN ITEM (1)(III) OF THIS SUBSECTION

20 SHALL INCREASE 2% EACH YEAR IN WHICH THE PROCEEDS IN THE CURRENT FISCAL

21 YEAR EXCEED THE PROCEEDS IN THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR.

22 (C) FROM THE PROCEEDS FROM THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS FOR ALL

23 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITIES THAT DO NOT EXCEED AN AVERAGE OF $250 PER VIDEO

24 LOTTERY TERMINAL PER DAY AS DETERMINED EACH FISCAL YEAR, AFTER THE

25 DEDUCTIONS FROM THE PROCEEDS OF THE AMOUNTS DESCRIBED UNDER

26 SUBSECTION (B) OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY, BASED ON A

27 SCHEDULE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION:

28 (1) AS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

29 47% OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PROCEEDS FOR THE OPERATING COSTS AND

30 RELATED CAPITAL COSTS OF, AND A REASONABLE RETURN FOR, THE VIDEO LOTTERY

31 FACILITY LICENSEE;

32 (2) 9% OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PROCEEDS TO THE PURSE

33 DEDICATION ACCOUNT ESTABLISHED UNDER § 10 OF THIS ARTICLE;

34 (3) 1% OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PROCEEDS TO THE MARYLAND

35 TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER ARTICLE 83A, TITLE 4,

36 SUBTITLE 2 OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND FOR THE PURPOSES

37 SPECIFIED IN § 11 OF THIS ARTICLE; AND


24 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (4) 0.5% OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PROCEEDS TO BE ALLOCATED

2 AMONG ALL OF THE HOLDERS OF TRACK LICENSES IN THE STATE, EXCLUDING

3 HOLDERS OF TRACK LICENSES WHO HAVE A VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSE, IN A

4 MANNER DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION.

5 (D) FROM THE PROCEEDS FROM THE VIDEO LOTTERY TERMINALS FOR ALL

6 VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITIES THAT EXCEED AN AVERAGE OF $250 PER VIDEO LOTTERY

7 TERMINAL PER DAY AS DETERMINED EACH FISCAL YEAR, THE COMMISSION SHALL

8 PAY BASED ON A SCHEDULE DETERMINED BY THE COMMISSION:

9 (1) AS APPROVED BY THE COMMISSION, AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

10 50% OF THE REMAINDER OF THE PROCEEDS DESCRIBED BY THIS SUBSECTION FOR

11 THE OPERATING AND RELATED CAPITAL COSTS, AND A REASONABLE RETURN FOR,

12 THE VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITY LICENSEE; AND

13 (2) THE BALANCE OF THE PROCEEDS TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND

14 ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9 OF THIS ARTICLE.

15 (E) FROM THE PROCEEDS REMAINING AFTER PAYMENTS UNDER

16 SUBSECTIONS (B), (C), AND (D) OF THIS SECTION, THE COMMISSION SHALL PAY THE

17 BALANCE TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER § 9 OF THIS

18 ARTICLE.

19 9. EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

20 (A) THERE IS AN EDUCATION TRUST FUND WHICH IS A SPECIAL CONTINUING,

21 NONLAPSING FUND.

22 (B) THERE SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND ALL TAXES,

23 FEES, CHARGES, AND REVENUES COLLECTED OR RECEIVED BY OR PAID,

24 APPROPRIATED, OR CREDITED, UNDER THIS ARTICLE OR ANY OTHER PROVISION OF

25 LAW, TO THE ACCOUNT OF THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

26 (C) THERE IS A BOARD OF THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND THAT SHALL

27 OVERSEE THE ALLOCATION AND EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE EDUCATION

28 TRUST FUND.

29 (D) THE BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING NINE MEMBERS:

30 (1) THE SECRETARY OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT;

31 (2) THE SECRETARY OF THE MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION

32 COMMISSION;

33 (3) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS;

34 (4) THE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OF MARYLAND;

35 (5) THE PRESIDENT OF MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY;


25 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (6) A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES APPOINTED BY THE

2 SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES;

3 (7) A MEMBER OF THE SENATE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE

4 SENATE; AND

5 (8) TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO A

6 TERM OF 4 YEARS BEGINNING JANUARY 1, 1999, WHO ARE ELIGIBLE FOR

7 REAPPOINTMENT.

8 (E) THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS SHALL SERVE AS THE

9 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD.

10 (F) (1) THE BOARD SHALL PERIODICALLY REVIEW THE ALLOCATION AND

11 EXPENDITURE OF FUNDS FROM THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND.

12 (2) THE BOARD SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT ANNUALLY TO THE GOVERNOR

13 AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY NOVEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR.

14 (3) THE REPORT SHALL INCLUDE THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND'S:

15 (I) BEGINNING BALANCE;

16 (II) PROJECTED REVENUES;

17 (III) PROPOSED OVERALL BUDGET AND ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN

18 THE UPCOMING FISCAL YEAR; AND

19 (IV) IDENTIFICATION OF MULTIYEAR COMMITMENTS FOR

20 OPERATING OR CAPITAL PURPOSES.

21 (4) (I) THE GOVERNOR SHALL CONSIDER THE BOARD'S

22 RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN DEVELOPING THE BUDGET FOR THE UPCOMING FISCAL

23 YEAR.

24 (II) THE GOVERNOR MAY ADJUST THE BOARD'S PROPOSED

25 ALLOCATION OF FUNDS WITHIN THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND'S OVERALL BUDGET

26 AND EDUCATION PURPOSES RECOMMENDED BY THE BOARD.

27 (5) EXPENDITURES FROM THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND SHALL BE

28 MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE BUDGET BILL.

29 (G) (1) FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING ON OR AFTER THE EFFECTIVE

30 DATE OF THIS ARTICLE, THE BOARD OF THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND SHALL USE

31 THE FUNDS IN THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND FOR ANY LAWFUL OPERATING OR

32 PAY-AS-YOU-GO CAPITAL PURPOSE RELATED TO:

33 (I) THE EXTENDED ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM;


26 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (II) FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN WITH BEFORE- AND

2 AFTER-KINDERGARTEN CARE FOR "AT RISK" CHILDREN ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AND

3 REDUCED PRICE MEALS;

4 (III) TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION, WHICH FUNDING SHOULD BE

5 USED TO IMPLEMENT AND ADMINISTER THE MARYLAND PLAN FOR TECHNOLOGY IN

6 EDUCATION DEVELOPED FOR THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION WITH A GOAL TO

7 PROVIDE ACCESS AND USE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION RESOURCES

8 FOR EVERY CLASSROOM IN THE STATE;

9 (IV) THE STATE LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER AND REGIONAL

10 RESOURCE CENTERS IN SOUTHERN MARYLAND, WESTERN MARYLAND, AND THE

11 EASTERN SHORE FOR IMPROVED LIBRARY SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY

12 ENHANCEMENTS;

13 (V) THE OPPORTUNITIES SCHOLARSHIP FUND THROUGH WHICH

14 SCHOLARSHIPS:

15 1. ARE PROVIDED TO MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

16 WITH A CUMULATIVE HIGH SCHOOL GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF B OR HIGHER IN

17 COLLEGE PREPARATORY COURSES AND A FAMILY INCOME OF NOT MORE THAN

18 $85,000;

19 2. MAY BE USED TO ATTEND ANY COMMUNITY COLLEGE OR

20 4-YEAR COLLEGE IN THIS STATE THAT HAS RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL

21 FROM THE MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION;

22 3. MAY PAY UP TO THE FULL COST OF TUITION CHARGED AT

23 THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, COLLEGE PARK FOR 1 YEAR; AND

24 4. THAT MAY BE RENEWED FOR A MAXIMUM OF THREE

25 ADDITIONAL YEARS FOR STUDENTS WHO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A B AVERAGE IN

26 EACH COLLEGE ACADEMIC YEAR;

27 (VI) THE STATE'S STUDENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS,

28 UNDER TITLE 18 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF

29 MARYLAND, TO REDUCE WAITING LISTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WITH THE

30 GOAL OF MEETING 40% OF THE DEMONSTRATED FINANCIAL NEED OF ELIGIBLE

31 STUDENTS IN THE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM;

32 (VII) FUNDING FOR THE PUBLIC SENIOR HIGHER EDUCATION

33 INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE TO:

34 1. CREATE AN EMINENT SCHOLAR FUND PROGRAM THAT

35 INCREASES THE NUMBER OF EMINENT FACULTY PROFESSORSHIPS IN ORDER TO BE

36 COMPETITIVE IN RECRUITING AND RETAINING WORLD CLASS FACULTIES AND THAT

37 PROVIDES FOR:


27 HOUSE BILL 678

1 A. THE CREATION OF ENDOWMENTS THROUGH PRIVATE

2 DONATIONS TO SUPPORT THE SALARIES AND WORK OF EMINENT FACULTY

3 POSITIONS MATCHED ON A DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR BASIS; AND

4 B. DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO AN INSTITUTION UPON ITS

5 CERTIFICATION OF PRIVATE DONATIONS OF AT LEAST $500,000 TO CREATE A

6 SPECIFIC EMINENT FACULTY PROFESSORSHIP;

7 2. RECRUIT AND RETAIN DISTINGUISHED FACULTY

8 THROUGH ENHANCED FACULTY SALARIES BY PROVIDING FUNDS TO INSTITUTIONS

9 TO ACHIEVE AVERAGE FACULTY SALARIES IN THE 90TH PERCENTILE OF ITS PEER

10 INSTITUTIONS, AS CERTIFIED BY THE MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION;

11 AND

12 3. PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

13 INFRASTRUCTURE, INCLUDING:

14 A. BUILDING MODERN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS,

15 CLASSROOMS, AND LABORATORIES;

16 B. CREATING DIGITAL LIBRARIES;

17 C. PROVIDING AMPLE COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS FOR

18 STUDENTS; AND

19 D. ENHANCING DISTANCE LEARNING TECHNOLOGIES;

20 (VIII) THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM

21 ESTABLISHED UNDER § 5-301 OF THE EDUCATION ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED

22 CODE OF MARYLAND AND ADMINISTERED BY THE INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON

23 SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION; AND

24 (IX) ANY OTHER EDUCATION RELATED PURPOSE APPROVED BY THE

25 EDUCATION TRUST FUND BOARD.

26 (2) FOR EACH FISCAL YEAR, IN ADDITION TO THE FUNDS DEDICATED

27 UNDER THIS SECTION TO THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND, THE GOVERNOR SHALL

28 INCLUDE IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET BILL SUBMITTED TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY A

29 GENERAL FUND APPROPRIATION FOR THE PURPOSES DESCRIBED UNDER

30 PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS SUBSECTION IN AN AMOUNT NOT LESS THAN THE AMOUNT

31 OF FUNDS APPROPRIATED IN THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR FOR THOSE PURPOSES.

32 (3) AN APPROPRIATION FROM THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND PROPOSED

33 TO BE MADE TO ANY UNIT IN THE DEPARTMENT OR PROPOSED TO BE MADE FOR ANY

34 DESIGNATED EDUCATION ACTIVITY, FUNCTION, OR UNDERTAKING THAT HAS BEEN

35 REDUCED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY MAY NOT BE RESTORED, FOR THE SAME

36 PURPOSE AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED, EXCEPT IN AN EMERGENCY, BY THE BUDGET

37 AMENDMENT PROCEDURE OF § 7-209 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT

38 ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND OR OTHERWISE IF THE GENERAL


28 HOUSE BILL 678

1 ASSEMBLY IN STRIKING OR REDUCING THE APPROPRIATION, PROHIBITED ITS

2 RESTORATION.

3 (4) EXCEPT FOR AN EMERGENCY CAPITAL PROJECT FOR EDUCATION, IF

4 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY EXPLICITLY REDUCES IN THE BUDGET BILL AN

5 APPROPRIATION FROM THE EDUCATION TRUST FUND PROPOSED FOR A MAJOR

6 CAPITAL PROJECT OR CAPITAL GRANT FOR EDUCATION, THE APPROPRIATION MAY

7 NOT BE RESTORED FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED BY THE

8 BUDGET AMENDMENT PROCEDURE OF § 7-209 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND

9 PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND OR OTHERWISE

10 UNLESS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IN STRIKING OR REDUCING THE APPROPRIATION,

11 EXPRESSLY AUTHORIZED ITS RESTORATION.

12 10. PURSE DEDICATION ACCOUNT.

13 (A) THERE IS A PURSE DEDICATION ACCOUNT UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF

14 THE COMMISSION.

15 (B) (1) THE ACCOUNT SHALL RECEIVE MONEYS AS REQUIRED UNDER §

16 8(C)(2) OF THIS ARTICLE.

17 (2) MONEYS IN THE ACCOUNT SHALL BE INVESTED AND REINVESTED BY

18 THE TREASURER AND INTEREST AND EARNINGS SHALL ACCRUE TO THE ACCOUNT.

19 (3) THE ACCOUNT IS A SPECIAL CONTINUING, NONLAPSING FUND THAT

20 IS NOT SUBJECT TO § 7-302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF

21 THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

22 (4) EXPENDITURES FROM THE ACCOUNT SHALL ONLY BE MADE:

23 (I) AS PROVIDED UNDER SUBSECTION (C) OF THIS SECTION; AND

24 (II) IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROPRIATION APPROVED BY THE

25 GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE ANNUAL STATE BUDGET OR BY THE BUDGET

26 AMENDMENT PROCEDURE PROVIDED FOR IN § 7-209 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND

27 PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

28 (C) FUNDS CREDITED TO THE PURSE DEDICATION ACCOUNT UNDER § 8(C)(2)

29 OF THIS ARTICLE SHALL BE ALLOCATED BY THE COMMISSION AND PAID FROM THE

30 ACCOUNT IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

31 (1) 62.3% TO MILE THOROUGHBRED PURSES;

32 (2) 7.7% TO THE MARYLAND-BRED RACE FUND;

33 (3) 26.67% TO STANDARDBRED PURSES; AND

34 (4) 3.33% TO THE STANDARDBRED RACE FUND.

35 (D) (1) THE ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING A MAJORITY OF THE

36 THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS LICENSED IN THE STATE MAY USE UP TO 5% OF THE


29 HOUSE BILL 678

1 MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE MARYLAND-BRED RACE FUND UNDER SUBSECTION

2 (C)(2) OF THIS SECTION FOR ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THE MARKETING, PROMOTION,

3 AND ENHANCEMENT OF THE THOROUGHBRED RACING AND BREEDING INDUSTRY IN

4 THE STATE.

5 (2) THE STATE RACING COMMISSION SHALL USE THE REMAINING 95%

6 OF THE MONEY ALLOCATED TO THE MARYLAND-BRED RACE FUND UNDER

7 SUBSECTION (C)(2) OF THIS SECTION FOR MARYLAND-BRED FUND RACES AS

8 DESCRIBED UNDER TITLE 11, SUBTITLE 5 OF THE BUSINESS REGULATION ARTICLE

9 OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

10 (E) THE GROUP THAT REPRESENTS A MAJORITY OF THE APPLICABLE OWNERS

11 AND TRAINERS LICENSED IN THE STATE MAY ALLOCATE REVENUES OUT OF THE

12 APPLICABLE PURSE SHARE.

13 (F) THE GROUP THAT REPRESENTS A MAJORITY OF THE APPLICABLE

14 BREEDERS IN THE STATE MAY ALLOCATE REVENUES OUT OF THE APPLICABLE BRED

15 FUND SHARE.

16 11. MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT.

17 (A) THE MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD SHALL RECEIVE

18 MONEYS AS REQUIRED UNDER § 8(C)(3) OF THIS ARTICLE.

19 (B) IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROPRIATION APPROVED BY THE GENERAL

20 ASSEMBLY IN THE ANNUAL STATE BUDGET OR BY THE BUDGET AMENDMENT

21 PROCEDURE PROVIDED FOR IN § 7-209 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND PROCUREMENT

22 ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, THE MARYLAND TOURISM

23 DEVELOPMENT BOARD SHALL EXPEND MONEYS DESCRIBED UNDER § 8(C)(3) OF THIS

24 ARTICLE FOR STATEWIDE TOURISM PROMOTION, INCLUDING HERITAGE AND OTHER

25 TOURISM AREAS.

26 12. COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND.

27 (A) THERE IS A COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND IN THE DEPARTMENT OF

28 HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE.

29 (B) (1) THERE SHALL BE CREDITED TO THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND

30 ALL FEES COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSION UNDER § 7(A)(6) OF THIS ARTICLE.

31 (2) MONEYS IN THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND SHALL BE INVESTED

32 AND REINVESTED BY THE TREASURER, AND INTEREST AND EARNINGS SHALL

33 ACCRUE TO THE FUND.

34 (3) THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND IS A SPECIAL CONTINUING,

35 NONLAPSING FUND THAT IS NOT SUBJECT TO § 7-302 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND

36 PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

37 (C) EXPENDITURES FROM THE COMPULSIVE GAMBLING FUND SHALL ONLY

38 BE MADE:


30 HOUSE BILL 678

1 (1) BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE TO

2 ESTABLISH A 24-HOUR HOTLINE FOR COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS AND TO PROVIDE

3 COUNSELING AND OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES FOR COMPULSIVE GAMBLERS; AND

4 (2) IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROPRIATION APPROVED BY THE

5 GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN THE ANNUAL STATE BUDGET OR BY THE BUDGET

6 AMENDMENT PROCEDURE PROVIDED FOR IN § 7-209 OF THE STATE FINANCE AND

7 PROCUREMENT ARTICLE OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND.

8 13. COMPTROLLER OF THE TREASURY.

9 (A) THE COMMISSION SHALL ESTABLISH AN ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEM

10 FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE AMOUNTS REQUIRED UNDER § 8 OF THIS ARTICLE.

11 (B) THE COMMISSION SHALL ACCOUNT TO THE COMPTROLLER FOR ALL OF

12 THE REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES UNDER THIS ARTICLE.

13 (C) THE COMPTROLLER SHALL CREDIT THE REVENUES AS REQUIRED BY § 8

14 OF THIS ARTICLE.

15 14. LOCAL APPROVAL.

16 NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THE CONSTITUTION OF

17 MARYLAND, ANY PROVISION OF THIS ARTICLE THAT AUTHORIZES VIDEO LOTTERY

18 OPERATIONS:

19 (1) AT A TOURIST DESTINATION LOCATION SHALL BE CONTINGENT,

20 WITH RESPECT TO THE COUNTY WITHIN WHICH THE TOURIST DESTINATION

21 LOCATION'S VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATION IS TO BE AUTHORIZED, ON A MAJORITY OF

22 THE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THAT COUNTY WHO VOTE ON THIS ARTICLE VOTING

23 FOR ADOPTION OF THIS ARTICLE; AND

24 (2) AT A SATELLITE SIMULCAST FACILITY LOCATION SHALL BE

25 CONTINGENT, WITH RESPECT TO THE COUNTY WITHIN WHICH THE SATELLITE

26 SIMULCAST FACILITY'S VIDEO LOTTERY OPERATION IS TO BE AUTHORIZED, ON A

27 MAJORITY OF THE REGISTERED VOTERS IN THAT COUNTY WHO VOTE ON THIS

28 ARTICLE VOTING FOR ADOPTION OF THIS ARTICLE.

29 SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the General Assembly

30 determines that the amendment to the Constitution of Maryland proposed by this Act

31 affects multiple jurisdictions and that the provisions of Article XIV, Section 1 of the

32 Constitution concerning local approval of constitutional amendments do not apply.

33 SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the aforegoing section

34 proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of Maryland shall be submitted to the

35 legal and qualified voters of this State at the next general election to be held in

36 November, 1998 for their adoption or rejection in pursuance of directions contained in

37 Article XIV of the Constitution of this State. At that general election, the vote on this

38 proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be by ballot and upon each ballot there

39 shall be printed the words "For the Constitutional Amendments" and "Against the


31 HOUSE BILL 678

1 Constitutional Amendments," as now provided by law. Immediately after the election,

2 all returns shall be made to the Governor of the vote for and against the proposed

3 amendment, as directed by Article XIV of the Constitution, and further proceedings

4 had in accordance with Article XIV.

HB 678