Bills › 89th General Assembly
HSB 210
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedFebruary 11, 2021
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 15, 2021
- Done: House committeeMarch 4, 2021
- Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 785
- Next: Senate committee
- Next: Passes the Senate
- Next: To the Governor
- Next: Signed into law
Became HF 785 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 785 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
AI summary This bill updates the rules for amusement concessions, such as games where people can win prizes. It clarifies that games of skill involve using ability to win, while games of chance rely on luck, and it specifically includes video games and shooting targets as examples. People applying for these licenses must also submit their applications and fees a certain number of days before they start their activities.1
Read the official explanation
This bill relates to amusement concessions. The bill changes the definition of amusement concession to a game of skill or game of chance where the participant may win a prize. The bill adds video games as an example of an amusement concession. The bill changes the definition of game of chance to a game whereby the result is determined by chance. Under current law, a game of chance must also require a player to complete activities, such as aligning objects or balls in a prescribed pattern or order or make certain color patterns appear, in order to win. The bill changes the definition of a game of skill to a game whereby the possibility for a result favorable to the player increases with the player’s ability to do a task. The bill adds shooting a gun or rifle at “targets”, and aiming at, capturing, or collecting symbols on a video screen as examples of activities in games of skill. _____ The bill requires amusement concession license applicants to submit their application and application fee for an amusement concession license at least days before conducting amusement concession activities. The bill directs the department of inspections and appeals to adopt rules that set out that all amusement concession licenses and provisional licenses issued in calendar year 2020 shall remain valid until the date prescribed for the licenses on the licenses’ date of issue. The bill makes this directive retroactive to January 1, 2020. The bill takes effect upon enactment.
Changed since by amendment H-1247; see Amendments.
House subcommittee
Named February 15, 2021. On February 23, 2021 it recommended passage. Vote Total: 3-0.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
Fiscal note
AI summary This bill changes the definition of amusement concessions and allows the Department of Inspections and Appeals to license certain electronic or computerized games. The Department of Inspections and Appeals estimates a one-time cost of up to $10,000 to update its online application system. The bill would have no fiscal impact on annual Amusement Devices Special Fund revenue.3
Read the fiscal note
Description
House File 785 as amended:
- Changes the definition of “amusement concession” to a game of skill or game of chance with an instant win possibility where, if the participant completes a task, the participant wins a prize.
- Removes nudge games and swap games from the definition of “amusement concession.”
- Defines “nudge game” as any game or phase of a game in which a participant spins reels or simulated reels and may choose to nudge one or more reels in any direction to complete a winning combination or pattern.
- Defines “swap game” as any game or phase of a game in which a participant spins reels or simulated reels and may choose to swap, move, or substitute one or more icons or symbols to create a winning combination or pattern.
- Specifies that an amusement concession may not be designed or adapted with any control device to permit manipulation of the amusement concession by the operator in order to prevent a participant from winning or to predetermine who the winner will be.
- Allows the Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) to license an electronic or computerized game with a video display screen as an amusement concession if the following conditions are met:
- The game is conducted through continuous gameplay.
- Prizes are awarded based solely upon a participant’s successful completion of a required skill or task in the course of the game’s play.
- The game is not a nudge game, a swap game, or a mechanical or electrical device that displays spinning reels or simulated reels.
- The game may be programmed to ensure a set payout percentage to participants of at least 80.0%. If a game is programmed with a set payout percentage, the operator shall prominently post the percentage applicable to the game’s play in a manner visible to all playing positions.
- The game may be programmed to award prizes by allowing a player to complete tasks or use skills at variable frequency or difficulty. The game may not be programmed to prevent the completion of any advertised or offered skills or tasks.
The Bill is effective upon enactment.
Background
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses the DIA’s amusement device registration fee revenue, which is deposited into the Amusement Devices Special Fund, to fund 1.0 full-time equivalent position for an Investigator. In FY 2020, approximately $400,000 was deposited into the Amusement Devices Special Fund. In the same year, approximately $30,000 was collected in amusement concession license revenue. In FY 2020, more than 5,000 amusement devices were registered.
Assumptions
- House File 785 as amended will not apply to currently registered amusement devices.
- A small number of new amusement concession games will be licensed.
- The DIA will need to update the online application system and redesign paper applications to conform to the new amusement concession language.
Fiscal Impact
House File 785 as amended would have no fiscal impact on annual Amusement Devices Special Fund revenue. A small number of new amusement concession games would be licensed, but this number cannot be estimated at this time. The DIA estimates a one-time cost of up to $10,000 to update the online application system to reflect the new amusement concession provisions. There is staff time associated with redesigning paper applications and to update the information on the DIA website.
Sources
- Integrated Information for Iowa (I/3) State Accounting System
- LSA Fee Project
- Department of Inspections and Appeals
- Department of Public Safety
- Amusement Concessions · April 15, 2021 · $10,000
- Amusement Concessions · March 22, 2021 · $130,000
Iowa Code it changes
Lobbying
1 for · 2 against · 13 undecided · Who →
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89th General Assembly