A joint Resolution

TO CREATE THE "GAMBLING STUDY COMMITTEE" TO EXAMINE ISSUES RELATED TO REGULATING GAMBLING, TO PROVIDE FOR THE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES, STAFFING, AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDY COMMITTEE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE COMMITTEE SHALL REPORT ITS FINDINGS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31, 2023, AT WHICH TIME THE STUDY COMMITTEE IS DISSOLVED.

Whereas, legalized gambling poses the potential to generate additional revenue for the State of South Carolina, help create jobs, and expand economic growth; and

Whereas, a comprehensive analysis of the costs and benefits legalized gambling may produce for the State would facilitate informed decisions on this issue. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1.   (A)   There is created the "Gambling Study Committee". The study committee shall review information concerning:

      (1)   the social and financial costs and benefits of the various forms of gambling, including casinos, slots, table games, horse and dog racing, sports betting, and internet gaming;

      (2)   the financial viability of the various forms of gambling if authorized in the State;

      (3)   the percentage of each dollar wagered in a gambling system likely to be remitted to the gambling system's administration, prizes, and retailers, and to the State; and

      (4)   the frequency, location, and licensing requirements associated with the right to offer or participate in gambling within the State.

   (B)   The study committee must be composed of nine members, consisting of the following:

      (1)   one member appointed by the Governor;

      (2)   one member appointed by the President of the Senate;

      (3)   one member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

      (4)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Finance Committee of the Senate;

      (5)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives;

      (6)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee;

      (7)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee;

      (8)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the Senate Education Committee; and

      (9)   one member appointed by the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Education and Public Works.

   (C)   The Chairmen of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and the Ways and Means Committee and the Chairmen of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Finance Committee shall provide staffing for the study committee.

   (D)   The Gambling Study Committee must submit a report containing its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before January 31, 2023. Upon submission of the report, the study committee is dissolved.

SECTION 2.   This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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