Gaming Policy Advisory Committee.
The increase in committee size is intended to enhance the representativeness and effectiveness of the committee. By incorporating both public members and those from the Department of Justice, the bill aims to facilitate more comprehensive discussions of policies related to regulated gambling activities. This amendment will likely impact the regulatory environment by making the committee's recommendations more diverse, tackling various aspects of gambling that affect both the industry and public interests.
Assembly Bill 2040, introduced by Assembly Member Cristina Garcia, aims to amend Section 19817 of the Business and Professions Code pertaining to the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee. The bill proposes to increase the membership of this committee from 10 to 12 members. The new composition would include 5 representatives from controlled gambling licensees, 5 members of the general public, and 2 representatives from the Department of Justice. This amendment seeks to ensure a broader range of perspectives in discussions surrounding gambling policies in California.
One point of contention surrounding AB 2040 could arise from concerns about representation and influence within the committee. Stakeholders in the gambling industry might argue about the balance of public versus industry representation within the committee, as too much focus on public members could skew decisions in favor of regulatory restrictions. Conversely, advocacy for increased public representation emphasizes the potential for better safeguarding public interests amid the concerns over gambling's societal impacts.