Whereas, this Act allows the operation of slot machines at commercial harness racing tracks; and

Whereas, the provisions of this Act are substantially similar to the initiated bill approved by the people of Maine at referendum in November 2003, but resolve some logistical problems; and

Whereas, in order to ensure that the will of the people is carried out, it is imperative that this Act be approved as soon as possible to prevent any injustice or hardship to the citizens of Maine; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

PART A

Sec. A-1. 5 MRSA §10004, sub-§4-A is enacted to read:

4-A.__Gambling.__The action is based on a violation of laws or rules at gambling facilities that are cited by the Department of Public Safety, Gambling Control Board, established pursuant to Title 8, chapter 31, or the Gambling Control Board or its designees determine that acting in accordance with subchapters 4 and 6 would fail to serve the public interest.

Sec. A-2. 7 MRSA §77 is enacted to read:

§77. Agricultural Fair Support Fund

1. Fund created. The Treasurer of State shall establish an account to be known as "the Agricultural Fair Support Fund" and shall credit to it all money received for that purpose under Title 8, section 1036, subsection 1, paragraph B, subparagraph 4.

2. Disbursement. No later than January 31st of each year, all funds held as of the end of the previous calendar year in the Agricultural Fair Support Fund must be distributed by the Treasurer of State as follows: