This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to allow townships, in addition to statutory and home rule charter cities, to regulate lawful gambling within their jurisdictions. Specifically, it permits townships to assess an annual investigation fee on organizations applying for permits to conduct gambling, with fee limits set for different classes of cities and counties. The bill also grants townships the authority to adopt more stringent regulations regarding lawful gambling, including the ability to prohibit it entirely.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the requirements for local approval of premises permits, stating that the board cannot issue a permit without approval from the township board where the premises is located. It also allows townships to impose a local gambling tax on licensed organizations operating within their jurisdiction, with the tax capped at three percent of gross receipts from lawful gambling. The bill mandates that townships file annual reports detailing the revenue generated from this tax and its usage, ensuring transparency and accountability in local gambling regulation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 349.16, 349.213