New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2759

Introduced
6/2/22  
Refer
6/2/22  

Caption

Adjusts municipal ballot question for amusement games for future elections and repeals section of law creating office of Amusement Games Control Commissioner.

Impact

The adjustments introduced by S2759 would amend existing regulations to allow for the licensing and operation of amusement games within municipalities more efficiently. This bill expects to eliminate redundant governmental oversight by removing the need for the Amusement Games Control Commissioner, subsequently vesting more authority in local entities. The intent is to create a more accessible framework for municipalities that wish to host amusement games, which includes limitations on prize types and values, reinforcing community control over such activities.

Summary

Senate Bill S2759 aims to adjust the municipal ballot question for amusement games and repeals a section of law that created the office of the Amusement Games Control Commissioner. This legislation seeks to streamline processes associated with the approval of amusement games, including altering how the question is posed to voters. Under this bill, municipalities will have a clearer pathway for conducting and regulating amusement games, thus potentially expanding opportunities for local entertainment options.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding S2759 is largely supportive from stakeholders looking to enhance local governance and local entertainment options. Advocates argue that the bill provides necessary updates to outdated regulations, allowing municipalities to adapt to modern gaming trends. There are concerns, however, from some quarters about the adequacy of protections against potential abuses or gambling issues, which indicates a careful balance must be maintained in the application of this new regulatory framework.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential implications of removing the Amusement Games Control Commissioner from the regulatory landscape. Critics may argue that this could lead to inconsistent standards across municipalities and possibly increase risks of gaming abuses if local governments do not have the capacity to effectively regulate these activities. The possibility of confusion over the implementation of the new ballot questions regarding amusement game regulations may also raise concerns about voter understanding and public engagement.

Companion Bills

NJ A4193

Same As Adjusts municipal ballot question for amusement games for future elections and repeals section of law creating office of Amusement Games Control Commissioner.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4193

Adjusts municipal ballot question for amusement games for future elections and repeals section of law creating office of Amusement Games Control Commissioner.

NJ S3541

Prohibits amusement games licensees from offering or advertising gambling activities related to amusement games.

NJ A4756

Prohibits amusement games licensees from offering or advertising gambling activities related to amusement games.

NJ S4645

Authorizes Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to enjoin conduct of unauthorized amusement games; establishes civil penalty for violations.

NJ S3456

Permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations.

NJ A4757

Permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations.

NJ S4142

Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections.

NJ HB05883

An Act Concerning Voting For Municipal Officers And On Local Questions.

NJ HB06672

An Act Concerning Voting For Municipal Officers And On Local Questions.

NJ HB2074

Amusements and Sports; Amusements and Sports Policy Act of 2023; effective date.

Similar Bills

NJ A4193

Adjusts municipal ballot question for amusement games for future elections and repeals section of law creating office of Amusement Games Control Commissioner.

LA SB148

Provides relative to the Department of Agriculture and Forestry and provides for technical changes. (gov sig)

PA HB679

Further providing for authorization of county departments of health; and repealing provisions relating to dissolution of and withdrawal from county departments of health.

CA AB2009

California Travel and Tourism Commission.

CA AB1920

California Travel and Tourism Commission.

CA AB736

California Travel and Tourism Commission: meetings: records and minutes.

CA AB729

California Travel and Tourism Commission: meetings: records and minutes.

NJ S2972

Requires public question to allow fire district to raise amounts that exceed permissible property tax levy increase to be submitted at general election.