Existing law, the Gambling Control Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of various legalized gambling activities and establishments by the California Gambling Control Commission and the investigation and enforcement of those activities and establishments by the Department of Justice. The act specifies qualifications for eligibility as a member of the commission and provides that a person is ineligible for appointment if, within 2 years prior to appointment, the person was employed by, retained by, or derived substantial income from, a gambling establishment. The act prohibits a member of the commission, the executive director, the chief, and any employee of the commission or department designated by regulation, for a period of 3 years after leaving office or terminating employment, for compensation, from acting as agent or attorney for any other person before the commission or the department if the appearance or communication is for the purpose of influencing administrative action, as specified. A person who willfully violates any provision of the act for which a penalty is not expressly provided is guilty of a misdemeanor.

This bill would additionally prohibit a member of the commission, the executive director, the chief, and any employee of the commission or department, for a period of 2 years after leaving office or terminating employment, from holding a direct or indirect interest in, holding employment with, representing, appearing for, or negotiating on behalf of, a gambling establishment, gambling enterprise, registrant, or licensee. By creating a new crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.