BILL ANALYSIS                                                                                                                                                                                                    Ó



                                                                 AB 654
                                                                 Page  1


         ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
         AB 654 (Hall)
         As Amended  March 19, 2013
         Majority vote 

          GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION  17-0 APPROPRIATIONS      17-0        
          
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         |Ayes:|Hall, Nestande, Bigelow,  |Ayes:|Gatto, Harkey, Bigelow,   |
         |     |Chesbro, Cooley, Gray,    |     |Bocanegra, Bradford, Ian  |
         |     |Hagman,                   |     |Calderon, Campos,         |
         |     |Roger Hernández, Jones,   |     |Donnelly, Eggman, Gomez,  |
         |     |Jones-Sawyer, Levine,     |     |Hall, Holden, Linder,     |
         |     |Medina, Perea, V. Manuel  |     |Pan, Quirk, Wagner, Weber |
         |     |Pérez, Salas, Torres,     |     |                          |
         |     |Waldron                   |     |                          |
         |-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
         |     |                          |     |                          |
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          SUMMARY  :  Requires the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee (GPAC) to  
         meet at least twice a year and requires the California Gambling  
         Control Commission (CGCC) to consult with the GPAC on recommended  
         proposed regulations, as specified. 

          EXISTING LAW  :

         1)Establishes within the Gambling Control Act (Act) a regulatory  
           framework for gaming in California, creating the CGCC with the  
           authority to approve, deny, revoke, or suspend gambling licenses  
           and permits for reasonable cause.

         2)Establishes a 10-member GPAC, composed of representatives of  
           controlled gambling licensees and members of the general public  
           in equal numbers.

         3)Requires the executive director of the CGCC to convene the GPAC,  
           from time to time, for the purpose of discussing recommended  
           controlled gambling regulatory policy.

         4)Provides that the GPAC may not advise the CGCC on Indian gaming.  


          FISCAL EFFECT  :  According to the Assembly Appropriations  
         Committee, costs to CGCC would be insignificant and absorbable  








                                                                 AB 654
                                                                 Page  2


         within existing resources.

          COMMENTS  :   

          Purpose of the bill  :  This measure seeks to revitalize the GPAC by  
         ensuring that the committee holds periodic meetings and requires  
         the CGCC to consult with the committee on recommended proposed  
         regulations.  This bill will reiterate in statute the path of  
         communication for card club operators to discuss pertinent issues.

         This bill will make the GPAC more relevant to the CGCC, gaming  
         industry, and the public at large.  The CGCC is responsible for  
         appointing and constituting the GPAC.  Yet, under current law,  
         there is no requirement that the GPAC meet.  This bill would make  
         it easier for the CGCC to constitute the committee and provide  
         that it meets at least twice a year.  


          Analysis Prepared by :    Felipe Lopez / G. O. / (916) 319-2531 FN:  
         0000386