2013 Maryland Code
STATE GOVERNMENT
§ 9-1A-37 - Participation of Commission in legislative process

(a) Changes to Code. --

(1) The Commission may consider and make recommendations on proposed changes to this subtitle, Subtitle 1 of this title, and any provisions of Article 2B of the Code that relate to the regulation of alcoholic beverages at video lottery facilities.

(2) On request of the Governor or the presiding officer of either house of the General Assembly, the Commission shall consider and make recommendations on proposed changes to this subtitle, Subtitle 1 of this title, and any provisions of Article 2B of the Code that relate to the regulation of alcoholic beverages at video lottery facilities.

(3) A video lottery facility may request that the Commission consider and make recommendations on proposed changes to this subtitle and any provisions of Article 2B of the Code that relate to the regulation of alcoholic beverages at video lottery facilities.

(b) Legislation. --

(1) The Commission may recommend or propose legislation on any matter within or related to the jurisdiction of the Commission.

(2) The Commission shall review and comment on any legislation introduced during a session of the General Assembly that relates to a matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

(c) Adjustments to allocations of proceeds; reports. --

(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) through (5) of this subsection, if a video lottery operation license is awarded to a video lottery facility in Prince George's County, the Commission may increase for a video lottery facility located in:

(i) Anne Arundel County, by not more than 2% of the proceeds from video lottery terminals at the video lottery facility, the percentage under § 9-1A-27(a)(8) of this subtitle; and

(ii) Baltimore City, by not more than 3% of the proceeds from video lottery terminals at the video lottery facility, the percentage under § 9-1A-27(a)(8) of this subtitle.

(2) If the Commission increases the percentage of proceeds from video lottery terminals for the video lottery facility in Anne Arundel County under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall increase the percentage of proceeds for the video lottery facility in Baltimore City by at least the same percentage point increase as for Anne Arundel County.

(3) (i) If a video lottery operation license is awarded to a video lottery facility in Prince George's County, the Commission may increase for a video lottery facility in Cecil County, by not more than 5% of the proceeds from video lottery terminals at the video lottery facility, the percentage under § 9-1A-27(a)(2) of this subtitle.

(ii) Any increased distribution of video lottery terminal proceeds under this paragraph for a video lottery facility in Cecil County shall be used for:

1. marketing, advertising, and promotional costs required under § 9-1A-23 of this subtitle; and

2. capital improvements at the video lottery facility.

(4) (i) On or before January 1, 2019, the Commission shall determine any adjustment authorized under paragraph (1) of this subsection to the percentage under § 9-1A-27(a)(8) of this subtitle or under paragraph (3) of this subsection.

(ii) Any adjustment authorized under this subsection may not take effect:

1. until a video lottery operation license is issued to a video lottery facility in Prince George's County; and

2. earlier than July 1, 2019.

(5) Before the Commission may make a determination on any adjustment under this subsection, the Commission shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2-1246 of this article, on:

(i) the impact on existing facilities from a video lottery facility located in Prince George's County;

(ii) unexpected monetary gains to licensees from factors including the delayed opening of other facilities;

(iii) the monetary benefit to existing licensees from the removal of statutory or regulatory restrictions on video lottery operations;

(iv) increased revenue to licensees from the authorization of table games;

(v) the impact of any adjustments to the Education Trust Fund;

(vi) the tax implications, if any, and cost of the ownership of the video lottery terminals by video lottery facilities; and

(vii) any other factors related to the gaming market in Maryland and the ability of the State gaming program to compete with surrounding states.