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Minutes for HB2671 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Authorizing sports wagering under the Kansas expanded lottery act.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 12, 2020
Chairperson Barker opened the opponent portion of the hearing on HB2671. He stated that he has conferred with both his Vice-Chair and his ranking member and they are in agreement on how the hearing will be conducted today. Those testifying on behalf of the casinos, who have a vested interest in this matter, will be allowed up to four minutes to speak after which questions will be allowed. Following that, he will allow those representing the various humane societies one minute each to speak. The Chairman stated that this bill does not mention anything about dogs or horses, but they will be allowed to be heard. He will allow approximately ten minutes for questions at the end of all the opponent testimony. Anyone appearing as an individual will be allowed two minutes to speak. Following the testimony from the opponents, those appearing as neutrals will each be allowed four minutes to speak, and he will allow questioning at the end.
Chairperson Barker recognized Whitney Damron, who testified on behalf of Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, which is owned by Kansas Entertainment, LLC (Attachment 15). He stated that any bill passed should contain the following principles: be state owned and limited to existing gaming licensees, i.e., the casinos; reasonable tax rates; allow mobile wagering; and a safe and secure sports wagering platform operated in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws. What they envision is the casinos would operate sports wagering under a management agreement with the Kansas Lottery and the Racing and Gaming Commission. HB2671 would have the Kansas Lottery be the owner, operator, regulator, and competitor, and they don't believe that is an appropriate model.
Chairperson Barker recognized Kevin Fowler, who testified on behalf of the Managers of Boot Hill Casino & Resort, Kansas Crossing Casino & Hotel, and Kansas Star Casino (Attachment 16). He stated that his clients are opposed to HB2671 because it does not employ the kind of model they think is appropriate in Kansas. They strongly support legalized sports wagering and are in support of SB283. They feel that sports wagering should be limited to the casinos.
Chairperson Barker recognized Wendy Coonrod, who testified for Great Plains SPCA, a family friendly animal shelter in Johnson County (Attachment 17). She is opposed to HB2671 and is asking for the Committee's support in excluding greyhounds from racing.
Midge Grinstead was recognized by Chairperson Barker as an opponent of HB2671 on behalf of the Humane Society of the United States (Attachment 18). She asked the Committee to vote no on HB2671.
Chairperson Barker recognized Terry Humphrey, who testified for the Humane Society Legislative Fund of Kansas (Attachment 19). She is speaking on behalf of 32 animal welfare organizations in Kansas who oppose greyhound racing. She stated that this bill does have greyhound racing attached to it. They are requesting two amendments to the bill. If greyhound racetrack facilities are allowed to have the sports wagering app, then they must run live greyhound racing.
Jasmine Kyle was recognized as an opponent of HB2671 on behalf of the Southeast Kansas Humane Society (Attachment 20). She asked them to make sure greyhound racing is not included in the bill.
Jason Moeller testified in opposition to HB2671 (Attachment 21). He gave his background and stated that he battled alcohol and drug addiction his whole life. He also became addicted to online gambling. Online gambling is far more insidious than casino gambling because of the unlimited access it provides.
Chairperson Barker recognized Cher Oliver who testified for Regap - KC (Attachment 22). She is asking the Committee to remove greyhound racing from HB2671 or to support SB283. The greyhound industry is self-regulated so the Department of Agriculture and animal control are unable to license and police their farms.
Chairperson Barker recognized Terry Garberg who testified on behalf of Kansas City Regap (Attachment 23). She stated that greyhound racing is a dying industry and it will be a shameful embarrassment for Kansas to start opening tracks. Most Kansans don't want dog racing in their state.
Chairperson Barker opened the floor for questions of the opponents. Representative Highberger stated his objection to limiting the testimony of the representatives of the Humane Society to one minute since extensive testimony in favor of greyhound racing was heard yesterday.
Questions were asked by Representative Highberger to Ms. Grinstead; Representatives Carpenter and Kessinger to Steve Durrell of the Kansas Lottery; Representative Ruiz to Ms. Humphrey; Representative Arnberger to Mr. Fowler; and Representative Erickson to Mr. Damron. Mr. Damron was asked by the Chairman to provide the data relating to gross gaming revenues.
Chairperson Barker stated that there was written opponent testimony from Betty Nelson, Heart of Jackson Humane Society (Attachment 24); Shanti Leiker (Attachment 25); Nika Orebaugh, Kansas Animal Control Association (Attachment 26); Ryan Soultz, Boyd Gaming Corporation (Attachment 27); and Crystal Swann Blackdeer, Leavenworth County Humane Society, Inc. (Attachment 28).
Chairperson Barker then closed the opponent portion of the hearing on HB2671.
