Session Review: General Affairs
Proposals to update lottery and gaming provisions, state liquor laws and medical cannabis regulations were among those considered by the General Affairs Committee this session.
Lawmakers passed a bill that makes a series of changes to the state’s racetrack gaming industry and authorizes music bingo and progressive jackpots for certain organizations.
LB1001, sponsored by the General Affairs Committee, updates laws governing racetrack operations, wagering distribution, horse registration, simulcasting and problem gambling oversight.
Among other provisions, the bill:
• allows racetracks to petition the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission for waivers or modifications of minimum race requirements under specific circumstances;
• mandates timely registration of Nebraska-bred thoroughbreds and quarter horses;
• transfers oversight and funding of the Nebraska Commission on Problem Gambling from the state Department of Revenue to the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission;
• allows waivers of certain residency and foaling requirements; and
• allows 19-year-olds to participate in keno at licensed racetrack enclosures in an area separate from the casino gaming floor.
The measure includes provisions of three additional bills, including LB828, introduced by Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay, which broadens the definition of operator in laws governing gift enterprises and savings promotion raffles.
The provisions of LB1047, sponsored by Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, expand the Nebraska Bingo Act to include music bingo, in which winning outcomes are based on song titles, musical artists or music genres.
The measure also increases the amount that can be charged for each bingo card from 25 cents to $1, the maximum prize amount that a licensed organization may award from $25 to $50 per game and the number of special event bingo permits a qualifying nonprofit may obtain annually from two to four.
Provisions of Blair Sen. Ben Hansen’s LB1120 allow a licensed organization to conduct a lottery or raffle game with a progressive jackpot or multiple drawing dates, such as the Queen of Hearts. Tickets to such games may be sold through a vending or dispensing device.
A licensee must register each lottery or raffle game with the state Department of Revenue and post the rules in a visible location where the game is conducted or tickets are sold. At least 50% of the gross proceeds from such games must be used for prizes.
LB1001 passed on a 45-0 vote and took effect immediately.
Also passed was LB60, introduced last session by Grand Island Sen. Dan Quick, which removes a current prohibition in state law on the sale of lottery tickets through vending or dispensing devices. The measure was approved on a 41-8 vote.
Several provisions of state law governing liquor regulations and the implementation of medical cannabis were updated under LB1235, sponsored by the committee.
The bill reorganizes the structure and administration of the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission and authorizes an annual $12,500 salary for commission members.
Under the measure, the commission is authorized to establish a maximum fee of $50,000 for license applications, registrations and renewals and require a finger-print based national criminal history background check for initial applicants.
The bill also creates the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission Cash Fund to receive fees, gifts, grants and other revenue to support administration and enforcement.
The amended provisions of LB1085, introduced by Sen. Stan Clouse of Kearney, are included in the bill. Those provisions clarify the definition of a bottle club, expand existing criminal penalties to apply to the unlicensed retail sale of alcoholic liquor and require the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission to consider if an applicant is delinquent in any federal, state or local taxes when determining licensure.
The bill also includes provisions of Norfolk Sen. Robert Dover’s LB1128, which create a consumption-only option under state entertainment district licensure, allowing local governing bodies to designate areas within an entertainment district where alcohol can be consumed, but not sold, for a $25 license fee.
LB1235 passed on a vote of 46-2 and took effect immediately.
