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CAMPAIGN FINANCE

Senate Bill 34 (Act No. 123) - Campaign Finance Disclosure Reports

bulletRequires candidates for statewide elective offices to electronically file their campaign finance disclosure reports. bulletApplies to the principal campaign committee of such candidate. bulletOnly applies to those receiving loans or contributions in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate during the aggregating period. bulletEffective January 1, 1999.

GAMING

Senate Bill 33 (Act No. 146) - Minimum Age for Video Poker and Lottery

bulletRaises the minimum age to play video poker and the lottery to 21. bulletMandates winnings be withheld from underage players. bulletVideo poker licensees who unknowingly allow underage gamblers to play will be fined $1000 for the first and second offenses, and a third violation will result in license revocation. bulletFor knowingly allowing an underage gambler to play, or allowing, in any circumstance, a person under the age of 15 to play, the license may be revoked for a first or second violation, or a $1000 fine will be charged. bulletThe licensed will be revoked upon the third offense. bulletVideo poker licensees have the right to a hearing when accused of a violation. bulletPersons under the age of 21 caught playing video poker will be fined $100. bulletAnyone caught selling lottery tickets to persons under the age of 21 will be fined not less than $100 but not more than $500 for a first offense; for each subsequent offense, a fine of not less than $200 or more than $1000. bulletAny underage person who buys a lottery ticket will be fined not more than $100. bulletEffective June 16, 1998.

House Bill 174 (Act No. 114) - Underage Gambling Fines for Riverboats

bulletGives the Louisiana Gaming Authority the power to levy fines of up to $100,000 on riverboat licensees for any gaming violation, including underage gambling. bulletThe fine may be in addition to or in lieu of revocation or suspension of the riverboat gaming license. bulletThe licensee may contest the penalty, in which case, a hearing will be held by the gambling board. bulletIf the penalty is contested and a hearing is held, the hearing officer's decision is final. bulletEffective June 16, 1998.

WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES

House Bill 177 (Act No. 164) - Electronic Hunting/Fishing License Distribution

bulletAuthorizes the state Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries to issue hunting and recreational fishing licenses and permits through an electronic issuance system. bulletThis system may include purchase of licenses or permits using the telephone and any other electronic methods of communication. bulletThose buying licenses with this new system may use a credit card to pay fees. bulletHunting licenses will now be valid beginning June 1st and expire June 30th of the following calendar year. Recreational fishing licenses may now be issued for one year from date of issuance. bulletAuthorizes use of special ID issued by Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections as proof of residency. bulletEffective date contingent on available funding to implement the program.

 

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