SB0521: RAFFLES-FIRE PROTECTION AGENCY

Legislative Summary

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides the application process for the issuance of an organization license for the standardbred racetrack in Cook County. Changes the bond requirement for an applicant for an organization license. Makes changes to the qualifications for stallions for the Illinois Standardbred Breeders Fund. Amends the Illinois Gambling Act. Requires applicants for an owners license to provide evidence of a labor peace agreement or intention to enter into a labor peace agreement that meets certain requirements with a bona fide labor organization. Provides that an applicant for a suppliers license under the Act that already holds a specified license issued by the Illinois Gaming Board is entitled to licensure as a supplier under the Act without additional Board investigation or approval, except by a vote of the Board. Provides that an initial suppliers license shall be issued for 4 years and may be renewed for additional 4-year periods. Provides that if a holder of a specified license issued by the Board is granted an additional license issued by the Board, the initial period of the new license shall expire at the earliest expiration date of any other specified licenses held by the licensee. Amends the Raffles and Poker Runs Act. Allows raffle licenses to be issued to fire protection agencies and associations that represent fire protection officials. Defines "fire protection agency" to mean a State, local government, or intergovernmental agency vested with the duty and authority to provide public fire suppression, rescue, or emergency medical services or an organization that provides support or assistance to such an agency. Amends the Video Gaming Act. Creates a sales agent and broker license to solicit or receive business from current or potential establishments licensed under the Act. Allows a qualified fraternal organization and a qualified veterans organization that derive their charters from a national organization to apply for a license allowing video gaming if the proposed establishment is located in a municipality having a population of not more than 1,000,000 that has enacted an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the corporate limits or a county having a population of not more than 1,000,000 that has enacted an ordinance prohibiting video gaming within the unincorporated area of the county. Allows a qualified fraternal organization and a qualified veterans organization that derive their charters from a national organization to apply for a license allowing video gaming without a license under the Liquor Control Act of 1934 if the proposed establishment is located in a municipality having a population of not more than 1,000,000 or a county having a population of not more than 1,000,000. Provides that a non-home rule unit of government may not impose any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal in excess of $250 (rather than $25). Removes language prohibiting the City of Rockford from imposing such a fee in excess of $250. Provides that a home rule municipality may not impose such a fee. Provides that the cost of any fee for the operation of a video gaming terminal shall be shared equally between the terminal operator and the applicable establishment authorized to conduct video gaming under the Act. Provides that the licensure, registration, regulation of video gaming, and the imposition of fees and other charges under the Act in connection with licensure, registration, and regulation, are exclusive powers and functions of the State. Provides that no home rule municipality or non-home rule unit may license, register, or otherwise regulate, or impose any type of fee or any other charge upon, a manufacturer, distributor, terminal operator, licensed technician, licensed terminal handler, licensed establishment, licensed veterans establishment, licensed truck stop establishment, licensed large truck stop establishment, or licensed fraternal establishment. Prohibits a home rule municipality or non-home rule unit from imposing any type of tax upon licensees, occupations, and other activities authorized under the Act. Provides that any home rule municipality that has adopted an ordinance imposing an amusement tax on persons who participate in the playing of video gaming terminals on or before June 1, 2021 may continue to impose such amusement tax pursuant to such ordinance but shall not increase, expand, or extend the tax or tax rate on such persons participating in playing video gaming terminals in excess of that tax or rate set forth in such ordinance and shall not otherwise impose any other tax upon any entity or person. Amends the Sports Wagering Act. Changes the renewal period for a supplier license from one year to 4 years. Provides that beginning 4 years after issuance of the initial supplier license, a holder of a supplier license shall pay a $150,000 annual license fee. Until July 1, 2023, allows tier 1 sports wagers that are not related to an individual athlete's performance and are made in person on Illinois collegiate teams. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.