DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 702 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session DuBuisson
Abstract: Provides for referendum elections necessary to authorize and conduct riverboat gaming
operations in St. Tammany Parish.
Present law prohibits riverboat gaming activities from being conducted upon a riverboat berthed or
docked at a facility on that portion of Lake Pontchartrain or any waterway connected thereto located
within St. Tammany Parish.
Proposed law adds an exception to present law to provide that if both the La. Gaming Control Board
approves and a majority of the electors in St. Tammany Parish vote to approve a ballot proposition
authorizing such, riverboat gaming may be conducted in accordance with the La. Riverboat
Economic Development and Gaming Control Act on that portion of Lake Pontchartrain or any
waterway connected thereto located in St. Tammany Parish at the location specified in the ballot
proposition.
Proposed law calls a referendum election in St. Tammany Parish to be held at the election scheduled
for Oct. 9, 2021, or on a succeeding appropriate date selected by the parish governing authority.
Proposed law provides for the proposition on the ballot to read: "Shall gaming operations and
activities authorized by the Louisiana Riverboat Economic Development and Gaming Control Act
be authorized in St. Tammany Parish at a site along those certain waterways in St. Tammany Parish
along portions of Lake Pontchartrain that are part of the Lakeshore Marina located south and east
of Interstate 10, Exit 261, and shall (Name of licensee approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control
Board) or the licensee's successors and assigns be authorized to relocate from its current location to
the location in St. Tammany Parish described above, and to develop on such location a gaming,
hotel, and resort operation all in accordance with the Louisiana Gaming Control Law, the Louisiana
Gaming Control Board, the Louisiana Election Code, and other relevant constitutional and statutory
authority?"
Proposed law provides that if the board approves the new berth or docking facility and a majority
of the voters vote in favor of the proposition, the licensee may relocate operations to the approved
berth or docking facility in St. Tammany Parish on that portion of Lake Pontchartrain, specifically
the waterways that are a part of the Lakeshore Marina located south and east of Interstate 10, Exit
261.
Proposed law provides that the licensee shall remain subject to the regulatory authority of the board
and present law. Proposed law requires the election to be conducted pursuant to the La. Election Code, including the
provisions providing for the responsibility of the parish governing authority to provide notice to the
public.
Present law authorizes the conducting of gaming activities on a riverboat while on designated rivers
or waterways.
Proposed law adds the portion of Lake Pontchartrain, specifically the waterways that are a part of
the Lakeshore Marina located south and east of Interstate 10, Exit 261 in St. Tammany Parish to the
designated rivers and waterways upon which gaming activities may be conducted and otherwise
retains present law.
Present law provides that the addition of a designated river or waterway is contingent upon approval
of the voters in a referendum election held in any parish which borders the proposed river's or
waterway's banks.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides that economic support for drainage and recreation projects and a revenue
share of up to five percent of monthly gaming proceeds may serve as an admission fee.
Proposed law provides that proposed law shall not be construed to increase the number of riverboat
gaming licenses or to limit the authority of the La. Gaming Control Board.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:1300.21(I) and R.S. 27:43(B)(1) and 93(A)(1); Adds R.S. 18:1300.25)