The proposed amendments to the North Dakota Century Code aim to restructure the state gaming commission and enhance the regulatory authority of the attorney general regarding games of chance. Key changes include redefining the gaming commission's composition to consist of a chairman (the governor or their designee) and four appointed members, with specific representation requirements for various licensed organizations. The commission is mandated to meet quarterly and adopt rules to ensure fair gaming practices and compliance with regulations. Additionally, the terms of appointed members will be adjusted to two years with staggered expirations to maintain continuity. Current gaming commission members' terms will terminate on June 30, 2025, and the initial terms for three of the four new members appointed on July 1, 2025, will be limited to one year.

The amendments also expand the powers of the attorney general, allowing for inspections of gaming sites and equipment, the ability to seize items for examination, and the authority to initiate civil actions for overdue fees or fines. The attorney general is required to refer evidence of potential violations to the gaming commission, which may lead to license revocation or fines. Additionally, individuals can appeal orders or actions taken by the attorney general to the office of administrative hearings, which must conduct hearings within thirty days, with the attorney general's order stayed pending the appeal outcome. The bill appropriates $25,000 from the general fund to support the gaming commission's operations for the biennium from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027, marking it as a one-time funding item.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 53-01-02, 53-01-03, 53-01-07, 53-01-09, 53-01-19, 53-06.1-01, 53-06.1-01.1, 53-06.1-03, 53-06.1-06, 53-06.1-10, 53-06.1-11, 53-06.1-11.2, 53-06.1-12, 53-06.1-12.3, 53-06.1-12.4, 53-06.1-14, 53-06.1-15.1, 53-06.2-01, 53-06.2-04, 53-06.2-04.1, 53-06.2-07, 53-06.2-10.1, 53-12.1-01, 53-12.1-02, 53-12.1-03, 53-12.1-04, 53-12.1-09, 53-12.1-11, 53-12.1-13
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 53-06.1-01.1, 53-06.1-15.1
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 53-06.1-01.1, 53-06.1-15.1
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Koppelman: 53-06.1-01.1, 53-06.1-15.1