Resolve, To Conduct a Market Analysis Regarding the Feasibility of Expanded Gaming in Maine

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  development of a statewide gaming policy is critical in light of recent expansion of casino-style gaming in northern New England; and

Whereas,  proposals for expanded gaming in Maine should be based on an objective analysis of what is feasible within the existing market; and

Whereas,  a market analysis will provide the Legislature with valuable information as it considers future proposals for expanded gaming in 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

Sec. 1. Department of Public Safety, Gambling Control Board to transfer funds. Resolved: That the executive director of the Gambling Control Board within the Department of Public Safety shall transfer $150,000 from the Gambling Control Board administrative expenses Other Special Revenue Funds account to the General Fund unappropriated surplus. The transfer made pursuant to this section must be made no later than October 1, 2014; and be it further

Sec. 2. Legislative Council to contract for market analysis regarding the potential for expanded gaming in the State. Resolved: That the Legislative Council, through the Executive Director of the Legislative Council, shall contract with a qualified consulting firm that has, within the last 12 months, provided consulting regarding legislative proposals for expanded gaming in New England, to conduct an analysis of the potential market for expanded casino-style gaming in the State. The executive director shall arrange for the analysis to be completed and a report submitted to the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs no later than September 1, 2014. The executive director shall ensure that the contract requires the consulting firm to provide an analysis that considers the following:

1. The current regional gaming market's capacity for additional casino-style gaming facilities in the State, considering all existing facilities where wagering is currently conducted in the State and the potential or imminent establishment of casino facilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; and

2. If a market exists:

Sec. 3. Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs authorized to meet; legislation. Resolved: That the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs is authorized to hold up to 4 meetings to consider the analysis and report described in section 2 and shall complete its work related to the report and develop any recommended legislation by December 3, 2014. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over veterans and legal affairs is authorized to submit a bill, based on the report and any recommendations contained in the report, to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

LEGISLATURE

Legislature 0081

Initiative: Provides one-time funding for the purpose of entering into a contract with a firm experienced in providing consulting on casino-style gaming.

GENERAL FUND	2013-14	2014-15
All Other	$0	$150,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL	$0	$150,000

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.