Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1218

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.

Brief Description: Modifying gambling commission powers and duties to temporarily issue, suspend, and renew licenses.

Sponsors: Representatives Conway, Wood, Condotta, Kenney and Moeller; by request of Gambling Commission.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows the Gambling Commission (Commission) to delegate to the director the authority to issue temporary licenses and suspend licenses for certain types of licenses. The Commission would then have this authority for all types of licenses.
  • Provides a 6 month grace period for license renewal for some military personnel.

Hearing Date: 1/25/07

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).

Background:

The Gambling Commission (Commission) issues licenses for charitable/nonprofit organizations and commercial entities to conduct gambling activities. The Commission also licenses manufacturers and distributors of gambling devices and their representatives, amusement game operators, and employees of gambling entities, such as card room employees.

The Commission employs a full time director who is the administrator for the Commission. For charitable/nonprofit and commercial licenses, the Commission may authorize the director to temporarily issue and suspend licenses subject to final action by the Commission. The director does not have this authority for the other types of licenses.

Gambling licenses are good for one year. Licensees who do not timely renew their licenses must submit a new application.

Summary of Bill:

The authority of the Gambling Commission (Commission) to give the director authority to issue temporary licenses and suspend licenses, subject to final action by the Commission, is extended to licenses for amusement game operators, manufacturers and distributors of gambling devices and their representatives, and employees of gambling entities. The effect is that the Commission may give the director temporary license and license suspension authority for all licenses the Commission issues.

A grace period for license renewal is created for military personnel. A licensee has six months after being honorably discharged, removed, or released from active military service to renew his or her license.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.