CHAPTER 384
H.P. 1359 - L.D. 1814
An Act Regarding the Use of Tokens or Tickets for Games of Chance at Agricultural Fairs
Emergency preamble. Whereas, Acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, agricultural fairs need more time to adjust to the requirements of Public Law 1999, chapter 716; 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:
Sec. 1. 17 MRSA §341, sub-§§3 and 4, as enacted by PL 1999, c. 716, §10, are amended to read:
3. Games conducted at agricultural fairs. Beginning January 1, 2001 2002, games of chance conducted at agricultural fairs may be conducted only with tickets, tokens or other device approved by the Chief of the State Police by rule distributed by the agricultural fair society.
4. Games conducted at agricultural fairs by members of agricultural society or bona fide nonprofit. Beginning January 1, 2001 2002, games of chance operated and conducted solely by members of an agricultural fair society or games of chance operated and conducted by members of bona fide nonprofit organizations on the grounds of the agricultural society and during the annual fair of the agricultural society may use cash, tickets, tokens or other device approved by the Chief of the State Police by rule.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the tickets, tokens or other device approved by the Chief of the State Police must be unique to the agricultural society and may be in denominations from 25¢ to 50¢. The tickets, tokens or device approved by the Chief of the State Police may be sold and redeemed only by a person who has been a member or active volunteer of the agricultural society for at least 2 fair seasons. The agricultural society has the burden of proof for demonstrating the qualification of members or active volunteers.
Sec. 2. Review by January 15, 2002 and 2003. The Chief of the State Police or the chief's designee and a representative from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall report regarding the operation of games of chance at agricultural fairs to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over games of chance by January 15, 2002 and again by January 15, 2003.
Sec. 3. Retroactivity. This Act applies retroactively to January 1, 2001.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
Effective June 11, 2001.
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