‘Resolve, Directing the Development of a Comprehensive Gaming Policy for the State’

‘Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  development of a statewide gaming policy is critical in light of recent expansion of casino-style gaming in northern New England; and

Whereas,  requiring the policy committee of jurisdiction to develop a comprehensive policy will result in recommendations that will provide the Legislature with valuable information as it considers future proposals for expanded gaming in Maine; and

Whereas,  this legislation must take effect before the 90-day period expires in order to give the committee time to meet and develop its recommendations; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs to meet. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs shall hold no fewer than 12 meetings to consider the development of a statewide comprehensive gaming policy as described in section 2. The committee shall hold its first meeting no later than June 15, 2014 and hold all of its meetings in the months of June, July and August; and be it further

Sec. 2. Development of a comprehensive gaming policy; legislation. Resolved: That, by October 1, 2014, the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs shall submit to the Legislature recommendations for a statewide comprehensive policy on expanded casino gaming that considers the following:

1. The development of at least 5 regions or zones of the State where a casino-style facility may be authorized to operate;

2. The development of a competitive bid process that gives preference to federally recognized Indian tribes in the State and commercial facilities that currently conduct live harness racing where pari-mutuel wagers are authorized;

3. Establishment of a competitive bidding process for license fees with a required minimum;

4. Requirements for amenities at newly licensed casino-style facilities, including hotel rooms and conference centers; and

5. Establishment of a single structure for the distribution of slot machine and table game revenue for all facilities licensed to operate slot machines or table games.

The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over veterans and legal affairs is authorized to report out a bill based on the recommendations developed in accordance with this section to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

LEGISLATURE

Legislature 0081

Initiative: Provides funding for the estimated costs of the per diem and expenses of members of the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs for 12 meetings to be held in June, July and August of 2014.

GENERAL FUND	2013-14	2014-15
Personal Services	$1,540	$7,700
All Other	$2,210	$10,300
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$3,750	$18,000

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.’