BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 701
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Date of Hearing: April 8, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION
Adam Gray, Chair
AB 701
(Cristina Garcia) - As Introduced February 25, 2015
SUBJECT: Gaming: Gaming Policy Advisory Committee
SUMMARY: Makes modifications to an existing provision of the
Gambling Control Act (Act) pertaining to the Gaming Policy
Advisory Committee (GPAC). Specifically, this bill:
1) Increase the membership of GPAC from 10 to 12 members.
2) Requires GPAC to be composed of 5 representatives of
controlled gambling licensees, 5 members of the general public,
and 2 representatives from the California Department of
Justice's Bureau of Gambling Control (DOJ).
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EXISTING LAW:
1) Establishes within the Act a regulatory framework for gaming
in California, creating the California Gambling Control
Commission (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 matters
of controlled gambling regulatory policy and any other relevant
gambling-related issue.
4) Provides that the GPAC may not advise the CGCC on Indian
gaming.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
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Purpose of the bill : According to the author's office, this
measure is intended to take important steps to encourage state
policies, laws and regulations concerning card clubs that will
support job creation and increase economic activity. In
addition, this bill will reiterate in statute the path of
communication for card club operators and regulators to discuss
pertinent issues. The bill is intended to make the GPAC more
relevant to the CGCC, gaming industry, and the public at large.
According to the author, this bill will codify the involvement
of the DOJ on GPAC. The input of both DOJ and CGCC has proven
to be very beneficial in determining the scope and authority of
GPAC and in advising on upcoming issues to be considered by the
committee. In addition, by expanding the membership to include
two additional seats, this bill will also allow for greater
representation from the public and law enforcement
representatives.
GPAC Mission Statement : The stated mission statement for GPAC
is to provide advisory recommendations to the CGCC concerning
matters of controlled gaming regulatory policy and other
relevant gambling related issues, with special attention to
guaranteeing the integrity of gambling operations and to deal
effectively with problem gambling.
Current make-up of GPAC : One member is a representative of DOJ,
one member is a representative of the problem gambling field,
one member is a representative of a licensed or registered Third
Party Provider of Proposition Player Services, two members are a
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representative of larger (25 tables or more) licensed gambling
establishments, two members are a representative of small (less
than 25 tables) licensed gambling establishments, one member is
a law enforcement officer/investigator from local government
where an approved ordinance allows controlled gaming, one member
is a professional with an accounting background and one member
is a member of the general public at large.
It should be noted, that the CGCC is responsible for appointing
and constituting GPAC yet, under current law, there is no
requirement that GPAC meet.
Prior Legislation : AB 654 (Hall), 2013-2014 Legislative Session.
Would have required GPAC to meet at least twice a year and
would require the CGCC to consult with the GPAC on recommended
proposed regulations, as specified. The bill was gutted and
amended in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee.
AB 1290 (Lara), 2011-2012 Legislative Session. Would have
required the GPAC to meet twice a year. The bill was gutted an
amended on the Senate floor.
SB 8 (Lockyer), Chapter 867, Statutes of 1997. Repealed the
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Gaming Regulation Act and enacted the Gambling Control Act of
1997. Established CGCC and charged it with, among other things,
the authority to issue, deny, revoke, suspend, or impose
conditions, restrictions, or limitations on licenses, permits,
or approvals to ensure that unsuitable or unqualified persons
are not involved in the operation of gambling. Furthermore,
established the Bureau of Gambling Control (formerly known as
the Division of Gambling Control) within the DOJ and charged it
with specified investigative and enforcement duties.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by:Eric Johnson / G.O. / (916) 319-2531
AB 701
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