North DakotaNorth Dakota limits reasons for rejecting charitable gaming sites
The law requires cities and counties to follow written rules when rejecting charitable gaming locations, while allowing local limits and site approval fees.
What it does
Cities and counties must base denials on rules adopted or amended after public comment. They cannot demand local donations, reject an organization only for lacking gaming history at that site, or force a specific site or leasing partner. Denials for just cause remain allowed.
Cities and counties may limit games, equipment, and site numbers, charge a $100 site approval fee, and require an organization and site owner to sign an agreement before approval.
Argument forBarring rejection solely because an organization has never conducted gaming at a site could help organizations seek different locations.
Argument againstRequiring a signed agreement before approval could make organizations negotiate with property owners before knowing whether gaming will be allowed.
More detail
Cities and counties must follow written rules when denying approval for charitable gaming sites. The rules cover organizations eligible under state law that seek city or county approval for charitable gaming locations. Local governments may still deny approval for just cause, including violations of state law or local rules after consulting the attorney general. The organization must submit its local approval form with its license application to the attorney general for final approval.
Cities and counties may set limits and conditions for charitable gaming sites. Limits may cover game types, electronic pull tab machines, and blackjack tables. They may also cover how many sites each licensed organization can have approved or use within the city or county. Any required agreement must depend on receiving city or county approval. Local governments may set qualifications for organizations and enforce stricter gaming rules where state law allows.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Apr 21Filed with Secretary Of State 04/17Latest
- Apr 18Signed by Governor Kelly Armstrong 04/15Became Law
- Apr 14Sent to GovernorTo Governor
- Apr 14Signed by Speaker
- Apr 9Signed by President
- Apr 7Second reading, passed, yeas 79 nays 10Major
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1615. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 7Concurred
- Mar 25Returned to House (12)
- Mar 24Second reading, passed as amended, yeas 44 nays 0Passed Senate
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1615. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 21Laid over one legislative day
- Mar 20Amendment adopted, placed on calendar
- Mar 19Reported back amended, do pass, amendment placed on calendar 5 0 2Minor
- Mar 5Committee Hearing 03:00
- Feb 13Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary CommitteeMinor
- Feb 3Received from House
- Jan 31Second reading, passed, yeas 52 nays 37Passed House
- Vote recorded Motion for Final Passage on HB 1615. Result: pass.Lower
- Jan 29Reported back, do not pass, placed on calendar 8 4 2Minor
- Jan 29Committee Hearing 09:30
- Jan 20Introduced, first reading, referred Judiciary CommitteeIntroduced
Government & Ethics