The authority of the attorney general to impose fines for gaming violations.
Impact
The introduction of HB 1253 indicates a significant adjustment to the enforcement landscape of gaming regulations in North Dakota. The prescribed fines, which range from $25 to $250,000 based on the type of organization and severity of the violation, aim to enhance accountability among gaming operators. This bill has potential implications for the gaming industry, as it formalizes a structured approach to penalizing violations that have previously been subjective or inadequately enforced. By enacting a clear framework for penalties, the state may foster improved compliance and adherence to established gaming laws.
Summary
House Bill 1253 aims to amend the North Dakota Century Code, specifically granting the Attorney General the authority to impose fines for various gaming violations. The bill delineates specific monetary penalties for different types of gaming organizations, including licensed organizations, distributors, manufacturers, and owners of authorized sites. These fines vary depending on the type of entity and the violation, establishing a scale that reflects the severity of the infractions. By enacting this bill, North Dakota seeks not only to ensure compliance with gaming regulations but also to deter violations that can undermine the integrity of the gaming industry within the state.
Sentiment
Overall sentiment surrounding HB 1253 seems to be positive among the legislative assembly, as evidenced by the overwhelming support reflected in the voting history, which shows no opposition in the Senate (45-0). Supporters of the bill regard it as a necessary step toward ensuring that gaming operators are held accountable and that reputable operations are maintained in the gaming sector. The absence of dissent during the voting process suggests a consensus on the need for stricter regulation and enforcement mechanisms not previously available under current law.
Contention
While there does not appear to be significant contention surrounding HB 1253 during its discussions, its implementation may draw scrutiny from various operational entities within the gaming industry. Critics may raise concerns regarding the potential financial burden that these fines could impose on smaller organizations, particularly in cases where misinterpretations of regulations lead to penalties. Nonetheless, the bill's supporters argue that the stringent measures are crucial for safeguarding the gaming industry against fraudulent activities and ensuring a fair playing field for all stakeholders involved.
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.
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.
An information fund and continuing appropriation to pay publication and statistical processing expenses, organization claim file destruction, penalty for violation of a safety rule or regulation, and the retrospective rating program.
The definitions of "off sale" and "on sale", gaming site authorization and licensure, and the authorization of employees to provide limited assistance related to gaming; and to declare an emergency.
The maximum number of gaming sites allowed and the maximum number of electronic pull tab devices allowed at a site; and to provide for a legislative management study .