2014 -- H 8294 SUBSTITUTE A | |
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LC005867/SUB A/2 | |
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND | |
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY | |
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014 | |
____________ | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- AUTHORIZING STATE- | |
OPERATED CASINO GAMING AT NEWPORT GRAND SUBJECT TO STATEWIDE AND | |
LOCAL VOTER APPROVAL | |
| |
Introduced By: Representatives Abney, and Martin | |
Date Introduced: June 05, 2014 | |
Referred To: House Judiciary | |
(by request) | |
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: | |
1 | SECTION 1. Sections 42-61.2-2.2 and 42-61.2-7 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-61.2 |
2 | entitled "Video Lottery Terminal" are hereby amended to read as follows: |
3 | 42-61.2-2.2. State authorized to operate casino gaming at Newport Grand. -- (a) |
4 | State-operated casino gaming shall be authorized at the facility of the licensed video lottery |
5 | terminal retailer known as "Newport Grand" located in the town city of Newport; provided, that : |
6 | (1) That the requirements of Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution are |
7 | met with respect to said facility at the general election next to be held after enactment of this |
8 | section. in November of 2014; and |
9 | (2) That the proposed amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution requiring that prior to |
10 | a change in location where casino gaming is permitted in any city or town, there must be a |
11 | referendum in said city or town and approval by the majority of those electors voting in said |
12 | referendum on said proposed change in location in said city or town, is also approved statewide at |
13 | the statewide general election to be held in November of 2014. |
14 | (b) With respect to the Newport Grand facility, the authorization of this section 2.2 shall |
15 | be effective upon: |
16 | (1) The certification by the secretary of state that the qualified voters of the state have |
17 | approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to include casino gaming and also approved |
18 | the amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution regarding a change in the location of where |
| |
1 | casino gaming is permitted in any city or town; and |
2 | (2) The certification by the board of canvassers of the city of Newport that the qualified |
3 | electors of the city of Newport have approved the expansion of gambling at such facility to |
4 | include casino gaming. |
5 | (c) The general assembly finds that: |
6 | (1) The operation of casino gaming at Newport Grand will play a critical role in the |
7 | economy of the state and enhance local revenues; |
8 | (2) Pursuant to Article VI, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution and the specific |
9 | powers, authorities and safeguards set forth in subsection (c) herein in connection with the |
10 | operation of casino gaming, the state shall have full operational control over the specified |
11 | location, subject to the restrictions of Article VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution, at |
12 | which casino gaming shall be conducted; |
13 | (3) It is in the best interest of the state to have the authorization to operate casino gaming |
14 | as specified at Newport Grand; |
15 | (4) Pursuant to the provisions of subdivision 42-61.2-2.1(b)(4), and by action of the |
16 | governor, an extensive analysis and evaluation of competitive casino-gaming operations was |
17 | completed, which concluded that the viability of Newport Grand as a video lottery terminal |
18 | facility is threatened by the location of casino gaming in Southeast Massachusetts. |
19 | (5) The legislature shall, by enactment of comprehensive legislation during the 2012 |
20 | session, determine the terms and conditions pursuant to which casino gaming would be operated |
21 | in the state if it is authorized as set forth herein. |
22 | (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law and pursuant to Article VI, Section |
23 | 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the state is authorized, subject to the restrictions of Article |
24 | VI, Section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution, to operate, conduct and control casino gaming at |
25 | Newport Grand subject to subsection (a) above. In furtherance thereof, the state, through the |
26 | division of state lottery and/or the department of business regulation, shall have full operational |
27 | control to operate the foregoing facilities, the authority to make all decisions about all aspects of |
28 | the functioning of the business enterprise, including, without limitation, the power and authority |
29 | to: |
30 | (1) Determine the number, type, placement and arrangement of casino-gaming games, |
31 | tables and sites within the facility; |
32 | (2) Establish with respect to casino gaming one or more systems for linking, tracking, |
33 | deposit and reporting of receipts, audits, annual reports, prohibitive conduct and other such |
34 | matters determined from time to time; |
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1 | (3) Collect all receipts from casino gaming, require that Newport Grand collect casino- |
2 | gaming gross receipts in trust for the state through the division of state lottery, deposit such |
3 | receipts into an account or accounts of its choice, allocate such receipts according to law, and |
4 | otherwise maintain custody and control over all casino-gaming receipts and funds; |
5 | (4) Hold and exercise sufficient powers over Newport Grand's accounting and finances |
6 | to allow for adequate oversight and verification of the financial aspects of casino gaming at the |
7 | facility, including, without limitation: |
8 | (i) The right to require Newport Grand to maintain an annual balance sheet, profit and |
9 | loss, and any other necessary information or reports; and |
10 | (ii) The authority and power to conduct periodic compliance or special or focused audits |
11 | of the information or reports provided, as well as the premises with the facility containing records |
12 | of casino gaming or in which the business of Newport Grand's casino-gaming operations are |
13 | conducted; |
14 | (5) Monitor all casino-gaming operations and have the power to terminate or suspend |
15 | any casino-gaming activities in the event of an integrity concern or other threat to the public trust, |
16 | and in furtherance thereof, require the licensed video lottery retailer to provide a specified area or |
17 | areas from which to conduct such monitoring activities; |
18 | (6) Define and limit the rules of play and odds of authorized casino-gaming games, |
19 | including, without limitation, the minimum and maximum wagers for each casino-gaming game; |
20 | (7) Have approval rights over matters relating to the employment of individuals to be |
21 | involved, directly or indirectly, with the operation of casino gaming at Newport Grand; |
22 | (8) Establish compulsive gambling treatment programs; |
23 | (9) Promulgate, or propose for promulgation, any legislative, interpretive and procedural |
24 | rules necessary for the successful implementation, administration and enforcement of this |
25 | chapter; and |
26 | (10) Hold all other powers necessary and proper to fully effectively execute and |
27 | administer the provisions of this chapter for its purpose of allowing the state to operate a casino- |
28 | gaming facility through a licensed video lottery retailer hosting said casino gaming on behalf of |
29 | the state of Rhode Island. |
30 | (e) Subject to subsection (a) above, the state, through the division of state lottery and/or |
31 | the department of business regulation, may expand Newport Grand's existing video lottery license |
32 | issued, or issue Newport Grand a new casino-gaming license, to permit casino gaming to the |
33 | extent authorized by this act. |
34 | (f) Subject to subsection (a) above, all rules and regulations shall be promulgated by the |
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1 | state, through the division of state lottery and the department of business regulation, in |
2 | accordance with the authority conferred upon the general assembly pursuant to Article VI, |
3 | Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution. In accord therewith, subject to subsection (a) above, |
4 | the state, through the division of state lottery and/or the department of business regulation, shall |
5 | have authority to issue such regulations as it deems appropriate pertaining to control, operation |
6 | and management of casino gaming as specifically set forth in subsections (b), (c) and (d). |
7 | (g) Any referendum in the city of Newport regarding casino gaming in said city as |
8 | provided for in subsection (a) of this section shall become effective only upon the approval of an |
9 | amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution requiring that, prior to a change in location where |
10 | casino gaming is permitted in any city or town, there must be a referendum in said city or town |
11 | and the approval of the majority of those electors voting in said referendum on said proposed |
12 | change in location in said city or town. |
13 | 42-61.2-7. Division of revenue. [Effective June 30, 2011.] -- (a) Notwithstanding the |
14 | provisions of section 42-61-15, the allocation of net terminal income derived from video lottery |
15 | games is as follows: |
16 | (1) For deposit in the general fund and to the state lottery division fund for |
17 | administrative purposes: Net terminal income not otherwise disbursed in accordance with |
18 | subdivisions (a)(2) -- (a)(6) herein; |
19 | (i) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, nineteen one hundredths of one |
20 | percent (0.19%) up to a maximum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) shall be equally |
21 | allocated to the distressed communities as defined in section 45-13-12 provided that no eligible |
22 | community shall receive more than twenty-five percent (25%) of that community's currently |
23 | enacted municipal budget as its share under this specific subsection. Distributions made under |
24 | this specific subsection are supplemental to all other distributions made under any portion of |
25 | general laws section 45-13-12. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 distributions by |
26 | community shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007 and |
27 | shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009, the total |
28 | state distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30, |
29 | 2008 and shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the |
30 | total state distribution shall be the same total amount distributed in the fiscal year ending June 30, |
31 | 2009 and shall be made from general appropriations, provided however that $784,458 of the total |
32 | appropriation shall be distributed equally to each qualifying distressed community. For each of |
33 | the fiscal years ending June 30, 2011, June 30, 2012, and June 30, 2013 seven hundred eighty- |
34 | four thousand four hundred fifty-eight dollars ($784,458) of the total appropriation shall be |
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1 | distributed equally to each qualifying distressed community. |
2 | (ii) Five one hundredths of one percent (0.05%) up to a maximum of five million dollars |
3 | ($5,000,000) shall be appropriated to property tax relief to fully fund the provisions of section 44- |
4 | 33-2.1. The maximum credit defined in subdivision 44-33-9(2) shall increase to the maximum |
5 | amount to the nearest five dollar ($5.00) increment within the allocation until a maximum credit |
6 | of five hundred dollars ($500) is obtained. In no event shall the exemption in any fiscal year be |
7 | less than the prior fiscal year. |
8 | (iii) One and twenty-two one hundredths of one percent (1.22%) to fund section 44-34.1- |
9 | 1, entitled "Motor Vehicle and Trailer Excise Tax Elimination Act of 1998", to the maximum |
10 | amount to the nearest two hundred fifty dollar ($250) increment within the allocation. In no event |
11 | shall the exemption in any fiscal year be less than the prior fiscal year. |
12 | (iv) Except for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, ten one hundredths of one percent |
13 | (0.10%) to a maximum of ten million dollars ($10,000,000) for supplemental distribution to |
14 | communities not included in paragraph (a)(1)(i) above distributed proportionately on the basis of |
15 | general revenue sharing distributed for that fiscal year. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008 |
16 | distributions by community shall be identical to the distributions made in the fiscal year ending |
17 | June 30, 2007 and shall be made from general appropriations. For the fiscal year ending June 30, |
18 | 2009, no funding shall be disbursed. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010 and thereafter, |
19 | funding shall be determined by appropriation. |
20 | (2) To the licensed video lottery retailer: |
21 | (a) (i) Prior to the effective date of the NGJA Master Contract, Newport Jai Ali twenty- |
22 | six percent (26%) minus three hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred ninety-six dollars |
23 | ($384,996); |
24 | (ii) On and after the effective date of the NGJA Master Contract, to the licensed video |
25 | lottery retailer who is a party to the NGJA Master Contract, all sums due and payable under said |
26 | Master Contract minus three hundred eighty four thousand nine hundred ninety-six dollars |
27 | ($384,996). |
28 | (iii) Effective July 1, 2013 the rate of net terminal income payable to Newport Grand, |
29 | LLC under the Newport Grand Master Contract shall increase by two and one quarter percent |
30 | (2.25%) points. The increase herein shall sunset and expire on June 30, 2015 and the rate in effect |
31 | as of June 30, 2013 shall be reinstated. |
32 | (b) (i) Prior to the effective date of the UTGR Master Contract, to the present licensed |
33 | video lottery retailer at Lincoln Park which is not a party to the UTGR Master Contract, twenty- |
34 | eight and eighty-five one hundredths percent (28.85%) minus seven hundred sixty-seven |
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1 | thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars ($767,687); |
2 | (ii) On and after the effective date of the UTGR Master Contract, to the licensed video |
3 | lottery retailer who is a party to the UTGR Master Contract, all sums due and payable under said |
4 | Master Contract minus seven hundred sixty-seven thousand six hundred eighty-seven dollars |
5 | ($767,687). |
6 | (3) (i) To the technology providers who are not a party to the GTECH Master Contract |
7 | as set forth and referenced in Public Law 2003, Chapter 32, seven percent (7%) of the net |
8 | terminal income of the provider's terminals; in addition thereto, technology providers who |
9 | provide premium or licensed proprietary content or those games that have unique characteristics |
10 | such as 3D graphics, unique math/game play features or merchandising elements to video lottery |
11 | terminals may receive incremental compensation, either in the form of a daily fee or as an |
12 | increased percentage, if all of the following criteria are met: |
13 | (A) A licensed video lottery retailer has requested the placement of premium or licensed |
14 | proprietary content at its licensed video lottery facility; |
15 | (B) The division of lottery has determined in its sole discretion that the request is likely |
16 | to increase net terminal income or is otherwise important to preserve or enhance the |
17 | competiveness of the licensed video lottery retailer; |
18 | (C) After approval of the request by the division of lottery, the total number of premium |
19 | or licensed propriety content video lottery terminals does not exceed ten percent (10%) of the |
20 | total number of video lottery terminals authorized at the respective licensed video lottery retailer; |
21 | and |
22 | (D) All incremental costs are shared between the division and the respective licensed |
23 | video lottery retailer based upon their proportionate allocation of net terminal income. The |
24 | division of lottery is hereby authorized to amend agreements with the licensed video lottery |
25 | retailers, or the technology providers, as applicable, to effect the intent herein. |
26 | (ii) To contractors who are a party to the Master Contract as set forth and referenced in |
27 | Public Law 2003, Chapter 32, all sums due and payable under said Master Contract; |
28 | (iii) Notwithstanding paragraphs (i) and (ii) above, there shall be subtracted |
29 | proportionately from the payments to technology providers the sum of six hundred twenty-eight |
30 | thousand seven hundred thirty-seven dollars ($628,737); |
31 | (4) (A) To the city of Newport one and one hundredth percent (1.01%) of net terminal |
32 | income of authorized machines at Newport Grand, except that: |
33 | (i) Effective November 9, 2009 until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and two |
34 | tenths percent (1.2%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Newport Grand for each |
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1 | week the facility operates video lottery games on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for all eligible |
2 | hours authorized, and |
3 | (ii) Effective July 1, 2013 2015, provided that both: |
4 | (I) The the referendum measure authorized by Section 1 of Chapters 24 and 25 of the |
5 | Public Laws of 2012 is approved statewide and in the City of Newport, authorizing casino |
6 | gaming at Newport Grand is approved statewide and by the city of Newport at the statewide |
7 | general election to be held in November of 2014; and |
8 | (II) The proposed amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution requiring that prior to a |
9 | change in location where casino gaming is permitted in any city or town, there must be a |
10 | referendum in said city or town and approval by the majority of those electors voting in said |
11 | referendum on said proposed change in location in said city or town, is approved statewide at the |
12 | statewide general election to be held in November of 2014, then the allocation shall be one and |
13 | forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized video lottery |
14 | terminals at Newport Grand; and . |
15 | (iii) If, effective July 1, 2015, the conditions established in subsections (4)(A)(ii)(I and II) |
16 | are met, and the following conditions in subsections (4)(A)(iii)(I through III) are met: |
17 | (I) NGJA or its successor has made an investment of no less than forty million dollars |
18 | ($40,000,000) exclusive of acquisition costs within three (3) years, and a certificate of completion |
19 | and final approval from the city building inspector has been issued for the facility upgraded |
20 | through this investment; and |
21 | (II) The number of video lottery terminals in operation is no fewer than those in operation |
22 | as of January 1, 2014; and |
23 | (III) Table gaming has commenced in Newport; |
24 | Then in such event the allocation shall be the greater of one million dollars ($1,000,000), |
25 | or one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized video |
26 | lottery terminals at Newport Grand, except that for six (6) consecutive full fiscal years |
27 | immediately thereafter, the allocation shall be the greater of one million five hundred thousand |
28 | dollars ($1,500,000), or one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of |
29 | authorized video lottery terminals at Newport Grand. Such minimum distribution shall be |
30 | distributed in twelve (12) equal payments during the fiscal year. |
31 | (B) To the town of Lincoln one and twenty-six hundredths percent (1.26%) of net |
32 | terminal income of authorized machines at Twin River except that, |
33 | (i) Effective November 9, 2009 until June 30, 2013, the allocation shall be one and forty- |
34 | five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal income of authorized machines at Twin River for |
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1 | each week video lottery games are offered on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for all eligible hours |
2 | authorized, and |
3 | (ii) Effective July 1, 2013, provided that the referendum measure authorized by Article |
4 | 25, Chapter 151, Section 4 of the Public Laws of 2011 is approved statewide and in the Town of |
5 | Lincoln, the allocation shall be one and forty-five hundredths percent (1.45%) of net terminal |
6 | income of authorized video lottery terminals at Twin River; and |
7 | (5) To the Narragansett Indian Tribe, seventeen hundredths of one percent (0.17%) of net |
8 | terminal income of authorized machines at Lincoln Park up to a maximum of ten million dollars |
9 | ($10,000,000) per year, which shall be paid to the Narragansett Indian Tribe for the account of a |
10 | Tribal Development Fund to be used for the purpose of encouraging and promoting: home |
11 | ownership and improvement, elderly housing, adult vocational training; health and social |
12 | services; childcare; natural resource protection; and economic development consistent with state |
13 | law. Provided, however, such distribution shall terminate upon the opening of any gaming facility |
14 | in which the Narragansett Indians are entitled to any payments or other incentives; and provided |
15 | further, any monies distributed hereunder shall not be used for, or spent on previously contracted |
16 | debts; and |
17 | (6) Unclaimed prizes and credits shall remit to the general fund of the state; and |
18 | (7) Payments into the state's general fund specified in subdivisions (a)(1) and (a)(6) shall |
19 | be made on an estimated monthly basis. Payment shall be made on the tenth day following the |
20 | close of the month except for the last month when payment shall be on the last business day. |
21 | (b) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the Division to UTGR related to |
22 | the Marketing Program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the Division, but no less |
23 | frequently than annually. |
24 | (c) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title 42 to the contrary, the |
25 | Director is authorized to fund the Marketing Program as described above in regard to the First |
26 | Amendment to the UTGR Master Contract. |
27 | (d) Notwithstanding the above, the amounts payable by the Division to Newport Grand |
28 | related to the Marketing Program shall be paid on a frequency agreed by the Division, but no less |
29 | frequently than annually. |
30 | (e) Notwithstanding anything in this chapter 61.2 of this title 42 to the contrary, the |
31 | Director is authorized to fund the Marketing Program as described above in regard to the First |
32 | Amendment to the Newport Grand Master Contract. |
33 | (f) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 42-61-15, the allocation of Net Table Game |
34 | Revenue derived from Table Games at Twin River is as follows: |
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1 | (1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the |
2 | balance remaining into the general fund: |
3 | (i) Sixteen percent (16%) of Net Table Game Revenue, except as provided in subsection |
4 | (f)(1)(ii); |
5 | (ii) An additional two percent (2%) of Net Table Game Revenue generated at Twin |
6 | River shall be allocated starting from the commencement of Table Game activities by such Table |
7 | Game Retailer, and ending, with respect to such Table Game Retailer, on the first date that such |
8 | Table Game Retailer's net terminal income for a full State fiscal year is less than such Table |
9 | Game Retailer's net terminal income for the prior State fiscal year, at which point this additional |
10 | allocation to the State shall no longer apply to such Table Game Retailer. |
11 | (2) To UTGR, Net Table Game Revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant to above |
12 | subsection (f)(1); provided, however, on the first date that such Table Game Retailer's net |
13 | terminal income for a full State fiscal year is less than such Table Game Retailer's net terminal |
14 | income for the prior State fiscal year, as set forth in subsection (f)(1)(ii) above, one percent (1%) |
15 | of this Net Table Game Revenue shall be allocated to the town of Lincoln for four (4) consecutive |
16 | State fiscal years. |
17 | (g) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 42-61-15, the allocation of Net Table |
18 | Game Revenue derived from Table Games at Newport Grand is as follows: |
19 | (1) For deposit into the state lottery fund for administrative purposes and then the |
20 | balance remaining into the general fund: eighteen percent (18%) of Net Table Game Revenue. |
21 | (2) To Newport Grand LLC, Net Table Game Revenue not otherwise disbursed pursuant |
22 | to above subsection (g)(1) provided, however, on the first date that such Table Game Retailer's |
23 | net terminal income for a full State fiscal year is less than such Table Game Retailer's net |
24 | terminal income for the prior State fiscal year, one percent (1%) of this Net Table Game Revenue |
25 | shall be allocated to the city of Newport for four (4) consecutive State fiscal years. |
26 | SECTION 2. Chapter 322 of the 2005 Public Laws entitled "An Act Enabling the |
27 | Division of Lotteries to enter into a Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with UTGR, Inc. |
28 | and to enter into a Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with Newport Grand Jai Alai, LLC.", |
29 | as amended, is hereby further amended by adding thereto the following section: |
30 | Section 4.1 Authorized amendment of NGJA master contract. |
31 | (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of the general laws or regulations adopted thereunder |
32 | to the contrary, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 37 and Chapter |
33 | 61 of Title 42 of the General Laws, and the provisions of section 42-61.2-7, the division is hereby |
34 | expressly authorized and empowered to enter into an amendment to the master contract with |
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1 | NGJA or its successor containing the following terms and purposes and such terms as deemed |
2 | necessary and appropriate by the division, all of which shall be set forth in more particular detail |
3 | in said amendment. |
4 | (b) Under the terms of any amendments to the master contract authorized under this act, |
5 | NGJA or its successor shall agree that during the term it shall undertake, among others, the |
6 | following obligations: |
7 | (1) NGJA or its successor will invest, in the aggregate, within three (3) years following |
8 | the effective date of the amended master contract in accordance with a schedule set forth in the |
9 | amended master contract (but subject to an extension of the original three (3) year period as set |
10 | forth in Section 4.1(c) below), at least forty million dollars ($40,000,000) of total project costs, |
11 | exclusive of acquisition costs, but including "hard" and allowable "soft" costs (the "Newport |
12 | Grand investment requirement"), in connection with: (i) additions, renovations and/or |
13 | improvements to Newport Grand and to appurtenant real or personal property, including without |
14 | limitation, improvements and renovations consisting of an entertainment facility, which shall |
15 | include a music venue, spa, restaurant, gaming, and other appropriate customer amenities; and (ii) |
16 | performing NGJA or its successor's obligations regarding investment requirements under the |
17 | amended master contract ("Newport Grand investment requirement assets"). "Hard costs" shall |
18 | mean all costs that in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles |
19 | ("GAAP") are appropriately chargeable to the capital accounts of NGJA or its successor or would |
20 | be so chargeable either with an election by NGJA or its successor or but for the election of NGJA |
21 | or its successor to expense the amount of the item, and "soft costs" shall mean all other costs |
22 | appropriately chargeable to the investment requirement which are not hard costs in accordance |
23 | with GAAP. In determining whether the investment requirement has been satisfied, soft costs in |
24 | excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) shall be excluded. Provided |
25 | further, that none of the expenditures in this subsection shall qualify as eligible expenditures for |
26 | purposes of any credit, including historic tax credits as provided in chapter 44-33.2 and enterprise |
27 | zone credits as provided in chapter 42-64.3. |
28 | (2) On or before the dates set forth in the amended master contract and in all events on |
29 | that date which is 90 days after the third anniversary of the effective date of the amended master |
30 | contract (as such original three (3) year period may have been extended as set forth in Section |
31 | 4.1(c) below), NGJA or its successor shall submit to the division NGJA's certification, certified |
32 | by a certified public accounting firm acceptable to the division and using procedures approved by |
33 | the division not inconsistent with GAAP, providing its professional opinion, on behalf of itself |
34 | and its applicable NGJA or its successor business affiliates as to the aggregate amounts expended, |
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1 | allocated between "hard" and allowable "soft" costs in respect of the investment requirement, so |
2 | as to enable the division to measure NGJA or its successor's investment requirement assets and to |
3 | confirm NGJA or its successor's compliance with its obligation under Section 4.1(b)(1) hereof. |
4 | NGJA or its successor shall pay all costs of obtaining and preparing the professional opinion |
5 | obtained from the certified public accounting firm required by this subsection; and |
6 | (c) The amended master contract shall also provide, without limitation, that the division |
7 | shall be entitled to, among other things, terminate the amended master contract if NGJA or its |
8 | successor fails to fulfill the aggregate investment requirement pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(1) |
9 | hereof prior to that date which is three (3) years from the effective date of the amended master |
10 | contract, unless such failure is attributable to: (i) the failure to receive the necessary local |
11 | approvals in connection with the improvements, construction and other activities referenced in |
12 | Section 4.1(b)(1), notwithstanding the use of NGJA or its successor's commercially reasonable |
13 | efforts to obtain such approval; (ii) delays attendant to any litigation brought by any third-party |
14 | contesting in any way the construction of the improvements and having the effect of delaying the |
15 | expenditure of the investment requirement and which litigation is ultimately resolved in a manner |
16 | allowing the expenditure of the investment requirement to proceed; or (iii) the occurrence of one |
17 | or more force majeure events beyond the control of NGJA or its successor. The aforesaid original |
18 | three (3) year period shall be extended by the number of days delay occurring as a result of any |
19 | one or more of the events described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence. |
20 | (d) The amended master contract shall also provide that, following completion of the |
21 | investment requirement, NGJA or its successor shall maintain Newport Grand in a first class |
22 | manner pursuant to regulations adopted by the division and approved by the permanent joint |
23 | committee on state lottery. |
24 | SECTION 3. Chapter 323 of the 2005 Public Laws entitled "An Act Enabling the |
25 | Division of Lotteries to enter into a Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with UTGR, Inc. |
26 | and to enter into a Master Video Lottery Terminal Contract with Newport Grand Jai Alai, LLC.", |
27 | as amended, is hereby further amended by adding thereto the following section: |
28 | Section 4.1 Authorized amendment of NGJA master contract. |
29 | (a) Notwithstanding any provisions of the general laws or regulations adopted thereunder |
30 | to the contrary, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 37 and Chapter |
31 | 61 of Title 42 of the General Laws, and the provisions of section 42-61.2-7, the division is hereby |
32 | expressly authorized and empowered to enter into an amendment to the master contract with |
33 | NGJA or its successor containing the following terms and purposes and such terms as deemed |
34 | necessary and appropriate by the division, all of which shall be set forth in more particular detail |
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1 | in said amendment. |
2 | (b) Under the terms of any amendments to the master contract authorized under this act, |
3 | NGJA or its successor shall agree that during the term it shall undertake, among others, the |
4 | following obligations: |
5 | (1) NGJA or its successor will invest, in the aggregate, within three (3) years following |
6 | the effective date of the amended master contract in accordance with a schedule set forth in the |
7 | amended master contract (but subject to an extension of the original three (3) year period as set |
8 | forth in Section 4.1(c) below), at least forty million dollars ($40,000,000) of total project costs, |
9 | exclusive of acquisition costs, but including "hard" and allowable "soft" costs (the "Newport |
10 | Grand investment requirement"), in connection with: (i) additions, renovations and/or |
11 | improvements to Newport Grand and to appurtenant real or personal property, including without |
12 | limitation, improvements and renovations consisting of an entertainment facility, which shall |
13 | include a music venue, spa, restaurant, gaming, and other appropriate customer amenities; and (ii) |
14 | performing NGJA or its successor's obligations regarding investment requirements under the |
15 | amended master contract ("Newport Grand investment requirement assets"). "Hard costs" shall |
16 | mean all costs that in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles |
17 | ("GAAP") are appropriately chargeable to the capital accounts of NGJA or its successor or would |
18 | be so chargeable either with an election by NGJA or its successor or but for the election of NGJA |
19 | or its successor to expense the amount of the item, and "soft costs" shall mean all other costs |
20 | appropriately chargeable to the investment requirement which are not hard costs in accordance |
21 | with GAAP. In determining whether the investment requirement has been satisfied, soft costs in |
22 | excess of two million five hundred thousand dollars ($2,500,000) shall be excluded. Provided |
23 | further, that none of the expenditures in this subsection shall qualify as eligible expenditures for |
24 | purposes of any credit, including historic tax credits as provided in chapter 44-33.2 and enterprise |
25 | zone credits as provided in chapter 42-64.3. |
26 | (2) On or before the dates set forth in the amended master contract and in all events on |
27 | that date which is 90 days after the third anniversary of the effective date of the amended master |
28 | contract (as such original three (3) year period may have been extended as set forth in Section |
29 | 4.1(c) below), NGJA or its successor shall submit to the division NGJA's certification, certified |
30 | by a certified public accounting firm acceptable to the division and using procedures approved by |
31 | the division not inconsistent with GAAP, providing its professional opinion, on behalf of itself |
32 | and its applicable NGJA or its successor business affiliates as to the aggregate amounts expended, |
33 | allocated between "hard" and allowable "soft" costs in respect of the investment requirement, so |
34 | as to enable the division to measure NGJA or its successor's investment requirement assets and to |
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1 | confirm NGJA or its successor's compliance with its obligation under Section 4.1(b)(1) hereof. |
2 | NGJA or its successor shall pay all costs of obtaining and preparing the professional opinion |
3 | obtained from the certified public accounting firm required by this subsection; and |
4 | (c) The amended master contract shall also provide, without limitation, that the division |
5 | shall be entitled to, among other things, terminate the amended master contract if NGJA or its |
6 | successor fails to fulfill the aggregate investment requirement pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(1) |
7 | hereof prior to that date which is three (3) years from the effective date of the amended master |
8 | contract, unless such failure is attributable to: (i) the failure to receive the necessary local |
9 | approvals in connection with the improvements, construction and other activities referenced in |
10 | Section 4.1(b)(1), notwithstanding the use of NGJA or its successor's commercially reasonable |
11 | efforts to obtain such approval; (ii) delays attendant to any litigation brought by any third-party |
12 | contesting in any way the construction of the improvements and having the effect of delaying the |
13 | expenditure of the investment requirement and which litigation is ultimately resolved in a manner |
14 | allowing the expenditure of the investment requirement to proceed; or (iii) the occurrence of one |
15 | or more force majeure events beyond the control of NGJA or its successor. The aforesaid original |
16 | three (3) year period shall be extended by the number of days delay occurring as a result of any |
17 | one or more of the events described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) of the preceding sentence. |
18 | (d) The amended master contract shall also provide that, following completion of the |
19 | investment requirement, NGJA or its successor shall maintain Newport Grand in a first class |
20 | manner pursuant to regulations adopted by the division and approved by the permanent joint |
21 | committee on state lottery. |
22 | SECTION 4. Pursuant to Article VI, section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the |
23 | following question shall be submitted by the secretary of state to the qualified electors of the state |
24 | at the statewide general election to be held in November of 2014, and the secretary of state shall |
25 | certify the election results: |
26 | "Shall an act be approved which would authorize the facility known as 'Newport Grand' |
27 | in the city of Newport to add state-operated casino gaming, such as table games, to the types of |
28 | gambling it offers only and exclusively at the facility located at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, |
29 | Newport?" |
30 | SECTION 5. Pursuant to Article VI, section 22 of the Rhode Island Constitution, the |
31 | following question shall be submitted by the local board of canvassers to the qualified electors of |
32 | the city of Newport at the statewide general election to be held in November of 2014, and the |
33 | results thereof shall be certified to the secretary of state: |
34 | "Shall an act be approved which would authorize the facility known as 'Newport Grand' |
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1 | in the city of Newport to add state-operated casino gaming, such as table games, to the types of |
2 | gambling it offers only and exclusively at the facility located at 150 Admiral Kalbfus Road, |
3 | Newport?" |
4 | SECTION 6. Unless otherwise amended by this act, the terms, conditions, provisions, |
5 | and definitions of chapters 322 and 323 of the public laws of 2005 and chapter 16 of the public |
6 | laws of 2010 are hereby incorporated herein by reference and shall remain in full force and effect. |
7 | SECTION 7. The question, to be submitted to the qualified electors relating to the |
8 | expansion of gaming at Newport Grand, shall appear on the ballots as the first referendum |
9 | question. The question to be submitted to the qualified electors relating to the amendment to the |
10 | Rhode Island Constitution regarding the location of casino gaming in a municipality shall appear |
11 | on the ballots as the second referendum question. |
12 | SECTION 8. This act shall take effect upon passage. Provided, the provisions of Section |
13 | 1 of this act shall remain in effect only if the question submitted to the voters at the general |
14 | election to be held in November of 2014 relating to the expansion of gaming at Newport Grand is |
15 | approved by a majority of the electors voting both statewide and in the city of Newport, and if the |
16 | amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution regarding the location of casino gaming in a |
17 | municipality submitted to the voters in the same election is approved by a majority to the electors |
18 | voting statewide. In the event either or both questions does not receive sufficient voter approval |
19 | to take effect, then the provisions of Section 1 of this act shall be repealed upon the certification |
20 | by the Secretary of State of the results of said votes. |
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EXPLANATION | |
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL | |
OF | |
A N A C T | |
RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- AUTHORIZING STATE- | |
OPERATED CASINO GAMING AT NEWPORT GRAND SUBJECT TO STATEWIDE AND | |
LOCAL VOTER APPROVAL | |
*** | |
1 | This act would authorize a voter referendum on the approval of state-operated casino |
2 | gaming at the Newport Grand facility. Such referendum would take place at the statewide general |
3 | election to be held in November of 2014. Such expansion could only take place if, in addition to |
4 | state and local voter approval of the referendum, there was also statewide voter approval of a |
5 | constitutional amendment dealing with changes in the location of where casino gaming is |
6 | permitted in any city or town. The act would also amend the allocation of net terminal income of |
7 | authorized video lottery terminals at Newport Grand, if both measures pass. |
8 | This act would take effect upon passage. Provided, the provisions of Section 1 of this act |
9 | would remain in effect only if the question submitted to the voters at the general election to be |
10 | held in November of 2014 relating to the expansion of gaming at Newport Grand is approved by |
11 | a majority of the electors voting both statewide and in the city of Newport, and if the amendment |
12 | to the Rhode Island Constitution regarding the location of casino gaming in a municipality |
13 | submitted to the voters in the same election, is approved by a majority of the electors voting |
14 | statewide. In the event either or both questions does not receive sufficient voter approval to take |
15 | effect, then the provisions of Section 1 of this act would be repealed upon the certification by the |
16 | Secretary of State of the results of said votes. |
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