Louisiana 2023 2023 Regular Session

Louisiana Senate Bill SB189 Comm Sub / Analysis

                    RDCSB189 3356 3658
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)]
SB 189 Reengrossed 2023 Regular Session	Jackson
Present law provides for the operation of electronic video bingo machines, including a
prohibition that an electronic video bingo machine shall not contain entertainment display
features simulating slot reels or card games.
Proposed law provides that any license or permit that was issued to any location or to any
distributor for the use of electronic video bingo machines on or before June 30, 2022, is a
bona fide and valid license and permit under Louisiana law.
Present law provides that a licensed distributor may operate electronic video bingo machines
which are not in compliance with present law under either of the following circumstances:
(1)The licensed distributor has purchased or entered into a lease agreement for the total
number of electronic video bingo machines to be operated at a specific location on
or prior to August 15, 2008.
(2)The licensed distributor has delivered to the office of charitable gaming (office) or
sent by certified mail an application and fees to have machines permitted which has
been received and not approved on or prior to August 15, 2008, and the application
includes either a proof of purchase or a nonrefundable deposit.
Proposed law repeals present law.
 
Present law provides that electronic video bingo machines authorized by present law may
only be placed at the following two locations:
(1)A location approved by the office on or prior to August 15, 2008.
(2)A location for which a completed application with the required fees for the licensing
to conduct charitable gaming at a specific location has been received by the office
of charitable gaming on or prior to August 15, 2008, and which has received final
approval from the office and was occupied by August 15, 2009.
Proposed law repeals present law.
Proposed law prohibits the office from issuing any license or permit to any location or to any
distributor for use of electronic video bingo machines after June 30, 2022.
Proposed law provides that if any location, where electronic or video bingo machines are
validly licensed or permitted on or before June 30, 2022, to operate is damaged or destroyed
due to an occurrence that is an act of God, natural disaster, force majeure, catastrophic event,
action by a governmental body, or a similar occurrence over which the licensee or permittee
has no reasonable control, the office may allow electronic or video bingo machines to
operate at the same physical location.
Proposed law allows for the transfer of a location license and an electronic video bingo
machine license. 
Proposed law provides that the office shall not issue any new license or permit after June 30,
2022, for the placement of electronic or video bingo machines within one mile from property
on the National Register of Historic Places, public playgrounds, residential property, or any
building used primarily as a church, synagogue, public library, or school.
Proposed law does not apply to either of the following:
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(1)Locations that are damaged or destroyed due to an act of God, natural disaster, force
majeure, catastrophic event, or action by a governmental body.
(2)Any location licensed to conduct electronic video bingo on or before June 30, 2022.
Proposed law provides for a definition of "residential property".
Effective July 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 4:724(J); Adds R.S. 4:724(L), (M), and (N))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the
original bill
1. Provides for the validity of licenses for location and electronic video bingo
machines issued before June 30, 2022.
2. Removes provisions relative to licensed distributors and the operation of
electronic video machines that were not in compliance and provides for
licensing requirements of distributors.
3. Removes references to deadline dates for submission of applications for
licensure and approval of applications.
4. Provides that if the legislature amends law to add new licenses, the office of
charitable gaming shall not issue a license or permit after June 30, 2022, that
would allow any electronic video bingo machine to be placed within one mile
of certain places and provides for exceptions to the one-mile radius. 
5. Defines residential property.
6. Provides that if a location, where electronic video bingo machines are validly
licensed or permitted to operate is damaged or destroyed due to certain
events, the office may allow such machines to operate at the same physical
location.
7. Provides for the transfer of a location license and electronic video bingo
machines license. 
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Clarifies that the validity of licenses for location and electronic video bingo
machines issued on or before June 30, 2022 remains, rather than just before
June 30, 2022.
2. Removed all provisions relative to obtaining permits or licenses for locations
or distributors of electronic video bingo machines.
3. Adds provision prohibiting the office from issuing any license or permit to
any location or to any distributor for use of electronic video bingo machines
after June 30, 2022.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
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The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of
Criminal Justice to the reengrossed bill:
1. Prohibit the office of charitable gaming from issuing any new license or permit
after June 30, 2022, for the placement of electronic or video bingo machines
within one mile from property on the National Register of Historic Places, public
playgrounds, residential property, or any building used primarily as a church,
synagogue, public library, or school.
2. Provide that the proposed law placement of electronic or video bingo machines
does not apply to the following:
(a)Locations that are damaged or destroyed due to an act of God, natural
disaster, force majeure, catastrophic event, or action by a governmental
body.
(b)Any location licensed to conduct electronic video bingo on or before
June 30, 2022.
3. Define "residential property".
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