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Minutes for HB2622 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Amending the Kansas indoor clean air act to prohibit smoking on the gaming floor of a lottery gaming facility or racetrack gaming facility.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 7, 2024
Whitney Damron on behalf of Kansas Entertainment LLC, provide testimony in opposition to HB2622 (Attachment 11). Within the passage of (2010) HB2221 the Kansas Indoor Clean Air Act there were exemptions from the Act, including the gaming floor of a Lottery Gaming Facility. With the passage of the bill. Kansas State-owned and Operated casinos will be at a competitive disadvantage against two major gaming markets in Missouri and Iowa, as well as, the tribal casinos. The bill would likely impact state revenues. Illinois saw a 30% reduction and the loss of thousands of jobs. For clarity, the exemption is only for the gaming floor. Restaurants, VIP lounge and the sports betting area lounge are smoke free. The states four casinos should be left with the ability to weigh the impact of providing smoking opportunities for our patrons.
Mr. Damron responded to questions from the committee.
Paul Davis on behalf of the Boot Hill Casino and Resort, provided testimony in opposition to HB2622 (Attachment 12). Mr. Davis provided an overview of the casino. The passage of the bill will create a competitive disadvantage with casinos in neighboring states and the state's Indian casinos. Mr. Davis suggested both parties should get together to work through the issue.
Kevin Fowler on behalf of the Manager of the Kansas Crossing Casino, provided testimony in opposition to HB2622 (Attachment 13). If passed, the bill would create an economic disadvantage with existing casinos in Missouri and Oklahoma. Rather than give up smoking and gaming, patrons will pursue gaming in area states. Kansas Crossing was designed and built to meet the needs of our adult patrons, including smokers and non-smokers alike. The casinos was designed and constructed without integrating any secure, unenclosed exterior space for smokers.
Mr. Fowler responded to questions from the committee.
Written only testimony in opposition was provided by the following:
Ryan Soultz, Vice President of Government Affairs, Boyd Gaming Association (Attachment 14)
The hearing on HB2622 was closed.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:35 PM.
