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Minutes for HB2740 - Committee on Federal and State Affairs
Short Title
Authorizing sports wagering under the Kansas expanded lottery act.
Minutes Content for Tue, Mar 22, 2022
Chairperson Barker opened the hearing on HB2740. The Revisor Mike Heim provided an overview on the bill (Attachment 1).
Revisor Jason Long then provided an overview of the comparison chart on sports wagering legislation (Attachment 2).
Chairperson Barker allowed questioning of the two revisors by the Committee.
Chairperson Barker recognized Whitney Damron, who testified in support of HB2740 (Attachment 3). He stated that HB2740 achieves the objectives his companies have advocated in years past. Their one concern is the tax rates.
Chairperson Barker recognized John Federico as a proponent of HB2740 (Attachment 4). He stated that Sporting KC believes that sports wagering will help attract new fans and will put the State in a great position to establish sports wagering as an entertainment option.
Becky Schwartz testified as a proponent of HB2740 (Attachment 5). She stated that the convenience store retailers she represents believe this bill will bring more customers into their stores and increase revenue. They are in support of this bill.
The Chair recognized Scott Beeler as a proponent on HB2740 (Attachment 6). He stated that his bill is not an expansion of gaming; it is simply a clarification of where and how it occurs. This is a revenue-producing bill for Kansas, and the bill needs to be passed.
Chairperson Barker allowed the Committee to question the proponents of HB2740. Questions were asked by Representatives Hoheisel, Arnberger, and Awerkamp.
Chairperson Barker noted that there was written proponent testimony from Jason Watkins, Kansans For Fair Play (Attachment 7); Clark Stewart, Boot Hill Casino (Attachment 8); Bruce Christenson, Kansas Crossing Casino (Attachment 9); and Russell Brien, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (Attachment 10).
Chairperson Barker recognized Mike O'Neal as an opponent on HB2740 (Attachment 11). He stated that the Kansas Greyhound Association strongly opposes the provisions in HB2740 relating to the Kansas greyhound industry.
Jim Gartland testified in opposition to HB2740 (Attachment 12). He stated that parimutuel wagering is not considered part of sports betting, yet there are sections in this bill relating to greyhound racing and simulcasting. The National Greyhound Association is not opposed to the other portions of the bill, but they want the portions relating to greyhound racing removed.
Chairperson Barker recognized Crystal Swann Blackdeer as a neutral on HB2740 (Attachment 13). She stated that the Leavenworth County Humane Society is neutral on HB2740, providing no greyhound racing provisions are allowed in the bill.
Terry Humphrey testified as a neutral on the bill (Attachment 14). She stated that the sole focus of Stray Dog Policy is to ensure that the legislature does not offer any incentive or subsidy that revives greyhound racing. They are neutral on the rest of the bill.
The Chair recognized Brianne Doura as a neutral on the bill (Attachment 15). She stated that as HB2740 currently stands, two percent of the tax revenue from legalized sports betting would go to problem gambling and other addiction funds. The National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) would request that the bill expand how that money can be spent because that fund can currently be used for purposes other to address problem gambling. It believes funding should be used not only for problem gambling treatment, but for research, prevention, awareness, education, and recovery services as well. Representative Miller had a question for the conferee.
Deb Stidham testified as a neutral on HB2740 (Attachment 16) (Attachment 16A). She stated that the Kansas Association of Addiction Professionals (KAAP) is neutral on the bill, but it would ask to the Committee to consider things like restricting misleading advertisements, especially those that refer to risk free. All ads should include a help line and a responsible gambling message. They also request that in addition to directing two percent of gaming revenue to the Problem Gambling and Addiction Fund, this measure be amended to also direct two percent of net revenues from sports wagering to that Fund as set forth in her written testimony.
Chairperson Barker noted that there is written neutral testimony from Midge Grinstead, The Humane Society (Attachment 17); Jonathan Habavi, National Football League (Attachment 18); Laura Howard, Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (Attachment 19); and Jasmine Kyle, Southeast Kansas Human Society (Attachment 20).
Chairperson Barker closed the hearing on HB2740.
Chairperson Barker stated that he wanted to hear from the Committee as to whether they wanted to work HB2740 today. Following discussion, it was decided that the Committee would not work this bill today, but the Chairman would try to get a date from leadership next week to work the bill.
