CASINOS: POLITICAL CONTRIBUTIONS - S.B. 1410 (S-1): FLOOR ANALYSIS
Senate Bill 1410 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Bill Schuette
Committee: Gaming and Casino Oversight
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act to limit a provision that allows contributions to a ballot question committee by a person who holds a casino license or a supplier's license or who has an interest in a licensee or casino enterprise. Under the bill, these contributions would be allowed only if a ballot question would amend or repeal the Act.
Under the Act, a licensee or person who has an interest in a licensee or casino enterprise, or the spouse, parent, child, or spouse of a child of a licensee or person who has an interest in a licensee or casino enterprise, may not make a contribution to a candidate or a committee while a casino licensee or development agreement is being considered by a city or by the Michigan Gaming Control Board; while the licensee holds a license; during the three years following the final expiration or termination of the licensee's license; or either on or after the period beginning on the Act's effective date (July 17, 1997) or the period beginning one year before applying for a license, whichever is shorter.
The Act also prohibits contributing to a candidate or committee through a legal entity that is established, directed, or controlled by a licensee or person who has an interest in a licensee or casino enterprise, or the spouse, parent, child, or spouse of a child of a licensee or such a person, during the periods specified above.
The Act provides that these prohibitions do not apply to a ballot question committee (a committee that acts in support of, or in opposition to a ballot question but that does not influence or attempt to influence the nomination or election of a candidate). Under the bill, the exception for contributions to a ballot question committee would apply only if the committee supported or opposed a ballot question that would amend or repeal the Gaming Control and Revenue Act.
MCL 432.207b - Legislative Analyst: P. Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Date Completed: 10-4-00 - Fiscal Analyst: D. ZinFloor\sb1410 - Bill Analysis @ http://www.state.mi.us/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.