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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T
SPONSOR Larranaga
DATE TYPED 2/2/05
HB 630
SHORT TITLE Compulsive Gambler Funds and Programs
SB
ANALYST Collard
APPROPRIATION
Appropriation Contained Estimated Additional Impact Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
FY05
FY06
See Fiscal Im-
pact Section Recurring
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
REVENUE
Estimated Revenue
Subsequent
Years Impact
Recurring
or Non-Rec
Fund
Affected
FY05
FY06
See Fiscal/Impact Section Recurring Compulsive Gam-
bler Fund
(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Revenue Decreases)
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
LFC Files
Responses Received From
Department of Health (DOH)
Gaming Control Board (GCB)
Responses Not Received From
Taxation and Revenue Department (TRD)
SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
House Bill 630 would amend the Tax Administration Act to create a “Compulsive Gambler
Fund” in the state treasury and to create a “Compulsive Gambler Fee” appropriating those funds
to DOH for compulsive gambler programs. Any unexpended or unencumbered balances remain-
ing at the end of the fiscal year would not revert to the general fund.
pg_0002
House Bill 630 -- Page 2
Significant Issues
DOH indicates the bill would place the responsibility for compulsive gambler programs on
DOH, removing the responsibility from the gaming licensee.
Currently the treatment for problem gamblers is accomplished in the private sector. Racetracks
and most gaming tribes contribute to the operation of a statewide treatment voucher system. This
treatment system is operated by the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling.
GCB notes, under this proposal, DOH will make the determination of who receives money to
fund or support programs for the treatment and assistance of compulsive gamblers. This could
allow for the transparency of where and how the monies are being distributed and provide ac-
countability to the public. However, the removing of the compulsive gambling plan requirement
eliminates regulatory agency oversight on the gaming operators regarding the dissemination of
compulsive gambling literature, providing sources of treatment and training for employees.
GCB indicates the plans should remain a requirement and be administered by the DOH as the
department has the expertise in behavior health issues. DOH needs to be able to enforce their
regulatory duties regarding compulsive gambling plans. The plans reflect the state interest in ad-
dressing the social ramifications of compulsive gambling. Currently, DOH and GCB have a
Memoranda of Understanding where DOH reviews and makes recommendations on the ade-
quacy of the compulsive gambling plan development and implementation.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS
The Compulsive Gambler Fund would be comprised of the net receipts of all compulsive gam-
bler fees collected. Compulsive gambler fees would be comprised of one-fourth percent (1/4%)
of the net take of gaming machines for racetrack gaming operator licensees. This is a recurring
expense. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of any fiscal year
shall not revert to the general fund.
Continuing Appropriations
This bill creates a new fund and provides for continuing appropriations. The LFC objects to in-
cluding continuing appropriation language in the statutory provisions for newly created funds.
Earmarking reduces the ability of the legislature to establish spending priorities.
DOH states the administration of the Compulsive Gambler Fund would have fiscal implications
on the department, including costs associated with fund administration, contracting and monitor-
ing. DOH estimates a cost of up to $82 thousand per year to support an FTE and contract moni-
toring expenses.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
GCB indicates the State Treasurer will need to set up the fund fund, the Taxation and Revenue
Department will need to distribute the monies and DOH will need to provide the monies to fund
or support programs for the treatment and assistance of compulsive gamblers. Additionally,
DOH will need to make decisions on what type of support programs for treatment and what type
of assistance for compulsive gamblers will receive the monies, particular since compulsive gam-
bling plans are no longer required.
pg_0003
House Bill 630 -- Page 3
DUPLICATION
House Bill 630 duplicates Senate Bill 431.
TECHNICAL ISSUES
GCB suggests the following language be added to Section 60-2E-47 (F) in order to be consistent
with the language in Section 60-2E-47 (E) pertaining to the racetracks.
F. A nonprofit gaming operator licensee shall distribute at least sixty percent of the balance of
its net take, after payment of the gaming tax and any income taxes, for charitable or educational
purposes. A nonprofit gaming operator licensee shall pay, in addition to other taxes or amounts
required by this section a compulsive gambler fee of one – fourth percent of the net take of its
gaming machines to the taxation and revenue department for distribution to the department of
health pursuant to Section 7-1-6.1 NMSA 1978 to fund or support programs for the treatment
and assistance of compulsive gamblers.
OTHER SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
DOH also notes the deletion of the compulsive gambling plans, indicating the plans require
tracks to participate in the critical phases of identification and treatment referral process. Race-
track staff training is also currently required to be included in these plans.
KBC/lg