Gaming regulation.

06LSO-0137.C1

FISCAL NOTE

This bill contains an appropriation of $300,000 from the GENERAL FUND to the proposed State Gaming Commission.

The potential revenue increase to the General Fund is indeterminable, since the number of licenses to be issued is unknown, and since the license or renewal fees need to be established by the commission.

The potential revenue increase to the General Fund from background check fees is also indeterminable. Each background check requires submission of fees for processing. By statute, the fee for the state check is $15.00 (W.S. 7-19-108), and the fee for the federal check is $24.00. The state fee is placed in the General Fund, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) bills the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) on a monthly basis to collect the federal fee. While a state can opt to conduct state checks only, the FBI check cannot occur without a state check having first been done.

An estimated number of persons who may be subject to background checks as a result of the proposed legislation could not be obtained from any given source. However, it is assumed that all American Legion Posts, Fraternal Orders of Eagles, Loyal Orders of Moose and VFW organizations in Wyoming would apply for a gaming license. Additionally, there are an undetermined (and potentially much greater) number of church and private organizations which may be eligible to make application for a gaming license. Each of these organizations would have a number of employees that would require background checks. Revenue in the first year would be greatest, but would also be significant in subsequent years due to employee turnover, as well as the addition of new applicant organizations.

There will be administrative work and costs incurred when the commission first meets, to process travel claims, advertise for staff, etc. This work will likely be performed by the Governor’s Office and the Department of Administration & Information. If related costs for this work are more than minimal, the costs may be charged to the commission.

Prepared by:   Dean Temte, LSO        Phone:   777-7881

(Info. provided by Richard Cox, Budget Div.; 777-7203: Matthew Petry, AG's Office; 777-7840: Richard Marble, Gov's Office; 777-8525)

NOTICE-AGENCY ESTIMATE OF ADMINISTRATIVE IMPACT REQUESTED

This bill has administrative impact that appears to increase (or decrease) duties or responsibilities of one or more state agencies and may impact agency spending or staffing requirements. As introduced, the bill does not modify any state agency budget or current personnel authorizations.

The following state agencies will be asked to provide their estimate of the administrative fiscal impact prior to the first committee meeting held to consider the bill:

Division of Criminal Investigation