WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 3353

Constitutional amendment, gambling and gaming

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hamilton Grant and 1 co-sponsor

Mass. H 3353 bars surcharges tied to payment method for annual corporate filings, ensuring fees don't vary by card or electronic payment.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 3353

Summary — H 3353

Status: Introduced 01/14/2025; referred to Committee on Judiciary. Hearing scheduled 05/13/2025; reporting date extended to 12/03/2025. Classification: joint resolution (note: bill text appears to include material from two different measures—see “Important note” below).

Overview

H 3353, as filed, primarily contains statutory amendments that prohibit additional surcharges based on payment method for certain corporate filings in Massachusetts. The package of changes removes or limits extra fees charged when filers pay by check, credit card, electronic means, or other approved instruments. However, the circulated document also includes a separate, unrelated joint resolution text proposing a constitutional amendment in South Carolina to authorize and regulate certain gambling activities—this appears to be an insertion from a different jurisdiction.

Key provisions — Massachusetts corporate filing amendments

  • Amends multiple provisions of the Massachusetts General Laws to prohibit surcharges tied to the method of payment where that payment method is approved for use:
    • Chapter 7, §3B — insert language: “provided, that no additional surcharge shall be assessed due to payment method where such method, whether by check, credit card, electronic means or other instrument, is approved for use.”
    • Chapter 109, §63, clause (b) — sets the annual report filing fee at $450 (or an amount designated by the Secretary) and adds the same prohibition on payment-method surcharges.
    • Chapter 156D, §16.22 — adds a clause that, when filing an annual report, no additional surcharge shall be assessed due to payment method if that method is approved for use.
  • Effect: prevents agencies from imposing extra “convenience” or processing surcharges based solely on the form of payment for specified corporate filings (annual reports).

Key provisions — Separate South Carolina joint resolution (included in file)

  • Proposes adding Article XVII, §16 to the SC Constitution to permit the General Assembly to authorize and strictly regulate gambling in specified state areas (pari‑mutuel horse racing, professional sports betting, casino games that involve player skill, electronic games of chance).
  • Directs revenue from authorized gambling be used for highway/road/bridge construction, repair, and maintenance.
  • Allows the General Assembly to enact special/local criminal laws and penalties applicable only within the specified gambling areas.
  • Proposes amending Article XVII, §8 to remove the constitutional prohibition that disqualifies officeholders who engage in gambling.
  • Requires voter approval at the next general election with proposed ballot language provided.

Who is affected

  • Massachusetts: corporations and other entities required to file annual reports; Secretary of the Commonwealth (fee-setting authority); filers who currently pay by card or other electronic means (likely reduced cost if surcharges were previously applied).
  • South Carolina (if that separate amendment proceeds): state and local governments, taxpayers (through use of gambling revenue), gambling operators, impacted communities in specified areas, and current rules regarding officeholder conduct.

Procedural/timeline notes

  • Massachusetts portion: introduced 01/14/2025; referred to Committee on Judiciary; hearing 05/13/2025; reporting date extended to 12/03/2025.
  • South Carolina portion: the joint resolution text includes required voter referendum language; would require approval by SC voters at the next general election.

Important note / Recommendation

The file conflates two distinct measures (a Massachusetts statutory amendment re: corporate filing fees and a South Carolina constitutional gambling amendment). Confirm with legislative staff or the bill sponsor which text correctly corresponds to H 3353 in the relevant jurisdiction before relying on or distributing this summary.

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

Sign in to ask a question.