HB 1547 -- LICENSING OF GAMBLING BOATS

SPONSOR:  Wood

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on Tourism
and Cultural Affairs by a vote of 11 to 6 with 1 present.

This bill requires a subsequent countywide vote to follow a
favorable citywide vote authorizing the licensing of gambling
boats not located on the Mississippi or Missouri rivers.

The provisions of the bill will not apply to any city which
approved the licensing of gambling boats prior to the effective
date of the bill.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that if a casino is built in the
Branson area there may be a negative affect on the economic
well-being of the county.  The Branson area is well known for its
family-oriented environment, and gambling might create enormous
family, social, and economic problems.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Wood; Missouri Eagle
Forum; Branson/Lake Area Chamber of Commerce; Concerned Women for
America of Missouri; Haven Howard; Missouri Family Network; and
Presley's Incorporated.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it is bad policy
because it takes away the autonomy of cities.  It would hinder an
economic development project that would be beneficial to
southwest Missouri.

Testifying against the bill were Southwest Gaming Corporation;
Missouri Laborers; and Missourians for Economic Opportunity.

Robert Triplett, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am