HB 249 -- AMUSEMENT MACHINE OPERATORS (Treadway) This bill requires amusement machine operators to obtain licenses from the Director of the Department of Revenue. Fees to obtain a license to operate amusement machines will be set by the director at no more than $1,500 for a 2-year license. Licenses to operate amusement machines used specifically at carnivals, local or county fairs, or at the state fair will be $100 dollars for each month the machines are in operation. The bill outlines the qualifications for an amusement machine operator license. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, a Missouri resident for at least one year, and provide proof that they have paid Missouri sales tax on all previous business transactions conducted in this state. Persons operating amusement machines without a license will be fined $100 for each machine found in their possession. The director is given authority to seize any machine in an unlicensed person's possession. The director will require all licensed amusement machine operators to identify their machines with decals. These decals will contain the license number of the operator and any other information deemed necessary by the director. Decals will be prominently displayed on all machines. The bill further authorizes the director to make rules; issue warnings and probation; assess penalties; suspend and revoke licenses; prescribe forms, applications, and licenses; and conduct examinations. The bill allows any aggrieved party to appeal to the Administrative Hearing Commission. The bill creates within the department the Amusement Machine Operator License Fund. All moneys collected will be deposited within the fund for the purpose of paying expenditures incurred by the department. FISCAL NOTE: Estimated Net Effect to Amusement Machine Operator License Fund of $0 in FY 2002, an income of $221,714 in FY 2003, and a cost of $94,715 in FY 2004. Estimated Net Effect to Professional Registration Fund of $0 in FY 2002, FY 2003, and FY 2004.Copyright (c) Missouri House of Representatives