SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 27

46th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2004

INTRODUCED BY

Steve Komadina

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THAT THE GOVERNOR WORK WITH EACH CASINO-OPERATING TRIBE TO RENEGOTIATE THE INDIAN GAMING COMPACTS TO REMIT COMPULSIVE GAMBLER PROGRAM FUNDS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

     WHEREAS, state law and the 2001 gaming compacts the state signed with eleven of New Mexico's thirteen casino-operating tribes require that casinos set aside one-fourth percent of their slot machine net profits for compulsive gambler programs; and

     WHEREAS, according to the gaming control board, casinos set aside nearly two hundred eighty thousand dollars ($280,000) for compulsive gambler programs in the third quarter of 2003; however, the compacts do not require public disclosure of how the tribes spend their compulsive gambler program funds; and

     WHEREAS, under the current system, the public has no way of ensuring that compulsive gambler program funds are being put to the best use and that the providers and clinicians receiving the funds are qualified to treat gambling addicts;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the governor renegotiate the Indian gaming compacts to allow the department of health to distribute compulsive gambler program funds to appropriate treatment providers or clinicians; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor, the department of health and the gaming control board.

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