CHAPTER 179

S.P. 173 - L.D. 547

An Act To Extend the Number of Days Nonprofit Organizations

Are Allowed To Operate Games of Chance

Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas, many nonprofit organizations hold carnivals and fairs at which games of chance are operated as a means to raise money for the nonprofit organization; and

Whereas, current law restricts to 2 days the length of time that a nonprofit organization may operate a game of chance, which places an undue burden on those organizations that operate their fund-raising activities for more than 2 days; and

Whereas, most nonprofit organizations hold their fund-raising activities in the summer months, before the usual effective date for nonemergency legislation; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: