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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | May 23, 2017 12:12 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joseph A. Petrarca |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Legislation amending the Local Option Small Games of Chance (Act 156 of 1988) to provide relief for Club Licensees |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to amend the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act (Act 156 of 1988) to provide relief for club licensees. In many of our legislative districts, club licensees are significant social and civic outlets for our constituents. By statute, these organizations hold both a liquor license and a license to conduct small games of chance. Many of these entities rely heavily on the proceeds from small games of chance to continue their operation. As you may know, Act 156 of 1988 provides for the licensing, operation, and regulation of small games of chance for eligible organizations in the commonwealth. These eligible organizations include charitable, religious, fraternal or veterans' organization, club, club licensee or civic and service associations. One of the provisions in Act 156 of 1988 places a limit on the proceeds from small games of chance that a club licensee can use solely for their operations, before they are required to divert a portion to other purposes. Since this limit was set several years ago, I believe it is time to raise this cap. My legislation would increase the limit on full retainment of the proceeds generated from small games of chance conducted by a club licensee in Section 502(a)(1) from $20,000 to $30,000. In addition, the ceiling for this provision to go into effect would also be increased from $40,000 to $60,000. Other minor adjustments would be made to accounting and recordkeeping requirements to address these changes. As I noted above, many of these organizations holding club licenses are integral to the vitality of our communities. They provide social opportunities and a central meeting place for residents. With increased operating costs and a reduction in funding from other sources, many of these entities are in need of additional revenue to keep their doors open for their members. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation that will help these organizations continue to grow and prosper in our legislative districts. |