Brief Description: Creating the gambling account.

Sponsors: Representative Sommers; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Hearing Date: 1/24/05

Staff: Owen Rowe (786-7391).

Background:

The gambling revolving fund was created by statute in 1973. All moneys received for licensing, penalties, forfeitures, income, and revenue by the Gambling Commission (Commission) are deposited into the fund. The revenue for the 2003-05 biennium is estimated to be $28.3 million. The fund provides money for the operating costs of the Commission. The fund is not appropriated but is allotted. Non-tribal funds may be transferred by the Legislature from the gambling revolving fund to the state general fund during the 2003-05 biennium. The Commission cannot increase fees during the 2003-05 biennium for the purpose of restoring transferred fund balances.

Summary of Bill:

The bill creates an appropriated gambling account within the state treasury that replaces the non-appropriated gambling revolving fund. The Legislature may transfer the non-tribal fund balance from the gambling account to the state general fund beyond the 2003-05 biennium. The Commission may not increase fees to restore transferred fund balances.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 2005.