HF1867

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's state lottery regulations, specifically regarding retailer contracts. The key amendments include:

1. Definition of "Responsible Lottery Official": The bill adds a definition for "responsible lottery official," which includes officers, directors, or owners overseeing lottery ticket sales.

2. Retailer Qualifications:

   • The director may not contract with a retailer who is:
     
     • Under 18 years old.
       
     • Solely in business to sell lottery tickets.
       
     • Owing $500 or more in delinquent taxes.
       
     • Convicted of a felony, fraud, misrepresentation, or gambling-related offense in the past five years.
       
     • An immediate family member of the lottery director or lottery employees.
       
     • Lacking financial stability or responsibility.
       
     • A currency exchange.
       

• Similar restrictions apply to organizations, firms, partnerships, or corporations with responsible lottery officials who meet the disqualification criteria.

1. Contract Cancellation, Suspension, and Refusal to Renew:
   
   • Mandatory cancellation for lottery retailers whose responsible lottery official has been convicted of certain crimes, committed fraud, or acted in a way that damages public trust.
     
   • Discretionary suspension or non-renewal for reasons such as failing to report ticket sales, violating laws, failing to maintain sales volume, or repeated alcohol law violations.
     
   • Temporary suspensions without notice are allowed, provided a hearing is conducted within seven days if requested. If no hearing is requested within 30 days, the suspension becomes permanent.

These changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the lottery system by tightening regulations on who can sell lottery tickets and enforcing stricter penalties for violations.