The bill repeals Section 23-20.10-6.1 of the General Laws in Chapter 23-20.10, which previously allowed pari-mutuel facilities to have designated smoking and non-smoking gaming areas with separate ventilation systems. The repealed section also included provisions for bars and restaurants within these facilities to be non-smoking and physically separate from smoking areas, as well as rules for employees to opt out of working in smoking areas without facing adverse actions. The deletions from the current law remove these exemptions and requirements.

Additionally, the bill amends Chapter 42-61.3 of the General Laws by adding a new section that appropriates a one-time fund of one million dollars ($1,000,000) for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2024. This fund is designated to support the cessation of smoking in pari-mutuel facilities by educating and informing patrons about the smoke-free policy. The act will take effect upon passage, effectively eliminating the smoking exemptions for pari-mutuel facilities and casinos and supporting the transition to a smoke-free environment with the allocated funds.

Statutes affected:
7500: 23-20.10-6.1