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Bill

S 3541

A bill to increase competition in Defense contracting, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by Gary Peters

Prohibits amusement games licensees from gambling on their premises, banning wagers, promotion, or facilitation; risks license forfeiture and disorderly person penalties.

Introduced in Senate
3
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Bill Summary · S 3541

Bill Summary: S 3541 — A bill to increase competition in Defense contracting, and for other purposes.

Note: The version content provided appears to be a New Jersey amusement games gambling reform bill inserted under the NJ statute c.109 (amusement games law). The summary below reflects the substantive provisions as written in the introduced version content, organized for clarity and accessibility.

Basic Information

  • Bill Number: S 3541
  • Title: A bill to increase competition in Defense contracting, and for other purposes.
  • Status (as introduced): Introduced in the Senate
  • Introduced Date: September 12, 2024
  • Sponsor: George Borrello (primary)
  • Related/Companion Bills: A 4756, A 2356 (companion bills)
  • Legislative Actions (from provided timeline):
    • 2024-09-12: Introduced in Senate; referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
    • 2025-01-28: Referred to LABOR (listed twice)
    • 2025-12-17: Introduced in Senate; read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services
  • Jurisdiction (per provided context): The content relates to the regulation of amusement games and gambling under New Jersey law (P.L.1959, c.109).

Purpose and Intent

  • The introduced version seeks to prohibit holders of amusement games licenses from engaging in or enabling gambling activities on premises where amusement games are conducted or advertised under those licenses.
  • The bill aims to prevent license holders from accepting wagers, allowing others to facilitate gambling on their property, or advertising such gambling activities in connection with amusement games.

Key Provisions and Changes

The bill would amend and expand provisions in P.L.1959, c.109 (the amusement games act) as follows:

  1. Prohibition on Gambling on Licensed Premises (Section 11 amendments):

    • Amusement games license holders and affiliated entities would be prohibited from:
      • Conducting, participating in, or aiding gambling activities on licensed premises.
      • Possessing, selling, or distributing shares, tickets, or rights to participate in gambling activities related to amusement games.
      • Permitting gambling activities to be conducted on premises owned by them or under their control.
    • The immunity from certain criminal provisions would not extend to activities involving false pretenses in license applications or knowing participation in regulated gambling activities.
    • Additional language clarifies that misuse or promotion of gambling activities on licensed premises could be punishable.

  2. Disorderly Person and License Forfeiture Provisions (Section 12 amendments):

    • Any person, association, or corporation that:
      • Makes false statements on license applications,
      • Fails to keep proper books/records related to amusement games,
      • Violates the act or license terms,
      • Conducts or permits gambling on licensed premises,
      • Accepts or allows wagers on games conducted under the license, could be deemed a disorderly person and forfeit their amusement games license, in addition to other penalties.

  3. Advertising and Operational Restrictions (Section 14 amendments):

    • Nothing in the act would authorize gambling activities (as defined under state gambling laws) or bookmaking.
    • Holders of amusement games licenses would be prohibited from conducting or permitting gambling activities, accepting wagers, or advertising/promoting such activities.
    • Defines that slot machines or devices “in the nature of slot machines” remain restricted under the act.

  4. Effective Date:

    • The bill states it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary: Holders of amusement games licenses pursuant to P.L.1959, c.109 (C.5:8-100 et seq.) and their premises.
  • Secondary: Any third parties or affiliates that facilitate gambling activities on or in connection with licensed amusement games, including those who advertise such activities.
  • Enforcement: Potential disorderly person penalties, as well as license forfeiture and other penalties for illegal gambling tied to amusement games.

Financial and Administrative Impacts

  • The bill, if enacted, would increase regulatory oversight of amusement games license compliance, including stricter records and anti-gambling enforcement.
  • Possible administrative costs to state agencies for enforcement, licensing compliance checks, and penalties collection.

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • The bill has progressed through standard committee referrals following introduction (State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation; later LABOR; Armed Services in subsequent actions listed).
  • Companion bills exist in the Assembly (A 4756, A 2356), indicating cross-chamber interest.

Practical Takeaways

  • If enacted, amusement games licensees would face tighter controls against gambling activities on their premises, with explicit prohibitions on accepting wagers or advertising such activities.
  • Violations could lead to license forfeiture and criminal penalties as a disorderly person.
  • The bill emphasizes integrity in licensing applications and recordkeeping to prevent improper gambling operations connected to amusement games.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (legislative staff, journalists, or the general public) or add a side-by-side comparison with current law for quick reference.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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