Bill > H4105

This bill modifies the distribution of gaming revenue from casinos by making several key changes. Specifically, it reduces the percentage of daily gross gaming revenue allocated to certain funds from 9% to 0.5% and from 2.5% to 0.2%, while simultaneously redirecting those funds to the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) under the Department of Transitional Assistance, which helps low-income families purchase fruits and vegetables. The bill also requires an immediate transfer of $10 million from the Race Horse Development Fund to HIP, with the remainder transferred to the Community Preservation Trust Fund. Additionally, the bill stipulates that any future funds in the Race Horse Development Fund will be used exclusively for health and pension benefits for retired or permanently disabled former jockeys, drivers, and Suffolk Downs backstretch workers, with the Massachusetts Gaming Commission determining eligibility using its existing standards for disabled or retired jockeys. The changes are designed to redistribute gaming revenues to support agricultural assistance, food security, and worker benefits, and the bill would take effect immediately upon passage.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4105