SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1217
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to providing the gambling commission with authority to determine locations where amusement games may be conducted.
Brief Description: Providing the gambling commission with authority to determine locations where amusement games may be conducted.
Sponsors: Representatives Simpson, Alexander, Conway and Wood; by request of Gambling Commission.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/09, 96-1.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/16/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Honeyford, King and Kline.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: Under the Gambling Act (Act), the Washington State Gambling Commission (Commission) regulates wagering on activities such as social card games, bingo, raffles, amusement games, punch boards, pull-tabs, and fund-raising events. Several sections of the Act address amusement games. An amusement game is a game played for entertainment that involves active participation by the contestant and that awards merchandise prizes only, such as crane games. Certain other criteria must be met.
The Act authorizes the Commission to issue licenses allowing persons, associations, or organizations to conduct or operate amusement games in such a manner and at such locations as the Commission may determine. The Act lists particular locations where amusement games may be conducted including certain fairs, civic centers, or amusement parks. Commission rules allow licensed amusement game operators to conduct amusement games at commercially-operated family sports complexes, skating facilities, and grocery and department stores.
Summary of Bill: The Commission is expressly authorized to license any person, association, or organization to operate amusement games at locations that are in addition to those listed in the Act.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is Gambling Commission request legislation and has stakeholder approval. This would help local government because they tax amusement games. If this legislation is not enacted, some amusement games may have to be removed from current locations because the authority to locate them is not clear. This would result in a loss of tax revenue to local governments.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Amy Hunter, Washington State Gambling Commission.