HB 2005 -- Video Gaming Revenues

Sponsor:  McKenna

This bill authorizes the Missouri Lottery Commission to
establish a video gaming machine network.  The system will be
operated and audited through a central computer communications
system, dedicated to the operation of the network.  All revenue
generated by the network will be deposited into the Higher
Education Trust Fund, created by the bill.  The money will be
appropriated as follows:

(1)  At least 10% for maintenance, repair, and major renovation
of buildings constructed with state funds on public 4-year
institutions of higher education, not to exceed 1.5% of the
replacement cost of the buildings;

(2)  At least 5% to community colleges for maintenance and
repair of facilities, not to exceed 1.5% of the replacement cost
of the facilities;

(3)  At least 5% to fund bonds to be issued for major
renovations and new capital improvement projects at public 4--
year institutions of higher education and community colleges;

(4)  At least 5% to the student grant program, not to exceed the
amount necessary to fund fully the program so that all qualified
students may receive the prescribed amount; and

(5)  At least 5% for other state scholarship programs, higher
education research programs, endowed chairs, any other higher
education purpose deemed appropriate by the General Assembly and
the Governor, and administrative costs incurred by the
Department of Higher Education.

Application and licensing fees for video gaming machine
manufacturers, distributors, and operators are established.  The
fees will pay for the administrative expenses of the commission
in administering the network.  A license will not be granted to
any person who has been convicted of a felony, and the
commission may deny a license to anyone convicted of a gambling--
related offense.

The bill establishes video gaming machine requirements and
requirements for video gaming machine operators licensed by the
commission.  The directory will contract with licensed operators
for one year at a time.  No one under 21 years of age is
authorized to play a licensed video gaming machine.  Tampering
with a licensed machine with intent to interfere with the proper
operation of the machine or manipulate the outcome or payoff is
a class D felony.  Operation of a gray area device, as defined
in the bill, after the effective date of the bill, for use by
members of the public is a class D felony.