The authority of the attorney general to impose fines for gaming violations.
Impact
The introduction of SB2271 signifies a shift in the enforcement of gaming regulations within the state. By granting the attorney general the authority to impose fines, the bill is intended to create a more streamlined enforcement mechanism that can respond more swiftly to violations without relying solely on other regulatory entities. This could potentially lead to increased compliance among establishments involved in gaming activities, fostering a more regulated environment that protects the integrity of the gaming industry in North Dakota.
Summary
Senate Bill 2271 seeks to empower the attorney general of North Dakota with the authority to impose monetary fines on owners of licensed alcoholic beverage establishments for violations of gaming regulations. This bill aims to strengthen oversight in compliance matters, ensuring that establishments adhere to both gaming rules and broader regulatory requirements as outlined in the North Dakota Century Code. Under this legislation, the fines imposed for non-compliance can range from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $5,000 for each violation.
Contention
However, concerns may arise regarding the breadth of authority extended to the attorney general and the potential for conflicts with local regulations. Stakeholders in the gaming and alcohol industries might argue that the imposition of such fines could disproportionately affect smaller establishments that may struggle to comply with every aspect of gaming regulations. Critics may advocate for the need for a clear framework defining the violations and establishing fair processes for appeal or dispute resolution, ensuring that the fines are not levied arbitrarily or without due consideration of the establishment's circumstances.
The gaming commission, gaming stamp requirements, and the attorney general's regulation of gaming; to provide a penalty; and to provide an appropriation.
The definitions of alcoholic beverage establishment and manufacturer, approval for a gaming site authorization and licensure, the maximum number of gaming sites allowed, the maximum number of pull tab devices allowed at a site, gaming licenses for alcoholic beverage establishments, electronic fifty-fifty raffles, rent limits for electronic pull tab devices, and the imposition of monetary fines for violations by third-party businesses; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The structure of the state gaming commission and the administration and regulation of games of chance; to provide an appropriation; and to provide for application.
Transfers from the charitable gaming operating fund to the gambling disorder prevention and treatment fund; and to authorize a full-time equivalent position for the department of health and human services.
Transfers from the lottery operating fund to the multijurisdictional drug task force grant fund and the salary of the attorney general; to provide a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; and to declare an emergency.