Enacts provisions relating to gambling boat admission fees
This bill aims to streamline and delineate the distribution of admission fees for gambling activities that utilize excursion boats. The creation of the Steamboat Legacy Fund and Transportation Legacy Fund is intended to support entities dedicated to preserving the heritage and history associated with transportation and steamboating in Missouri. As a result, the bill looks to bolster economic initiatives related to historical preservation by establishing dedicated funding mechanisms.
House Bill 1492 proposes significant changes to the structure of admission fees for excursion gambling boats in Missouri. The legislation repeals the existing section 313.820 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri and enacts three new sections which establish a fee structure for passengers embarking on these boats. Under the new provisions, each admission will be subject to a fee that scales up to four dollars, with distinct portions allocated to various funds, notably the Gaming Commission Fund, a local city or county fund, and two dedicated legacy funds—the Steamboat Legacy Fund and the Transportation Legacy Fund.
Concerns may arise among stakeholders about how these changes impact local governmental revenue and the gambling industry as a whole. Some community members and policymakers might argue the proposed fee structures could lead to unaffordable costs for excursion operators, which may, in turn, affect tourism and recreational opportunities. The specifics concerning the allocation of these funds and the potential administrative burdens on the Missouri Gaming Commission might also stir debate, particularly regarding how fees should be adjusted in the future based on inflation or other economic factors.