SB 302 expands and clarifies background-check requirements for New Mexico gaming regulation. It requires contractors seeking unescorted access to Gaming Control Board facilities to submit disclosure statements and undergo a background investigation before access is granted. The bill also updates application and renewal procedures for gaming licenses, certifications of findings of suitability, and work permits by requiring fingerprint-based applications, consent to national criminal and credit checks, and authorization for the board to obtain tax and lien information and other background data it deems necessary.
The bill further adds background-investigation procedures for applicants under the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act. It authorizes the board’s enforcement division to request criminal history information from the FBI and other agencies, requires confidentiality protections for that information, and caps the cost of a background investigation at $100 paid by the applicant. The act takes effect July 1, 2025.
Impact
SB 302 amends the Gaming Control Act and the New Mexico Bingo and Raffle Act to strengthen suitability screening for gaming-related personnel, contractors, licensees, and permit applicants. It increases the board’s authority to investigate applicants and access criminal, credit, tax, and lien information, while also imposing ongoing disclosure obligations and renewal review schedules for certain gaming credentials. The bill affects the Gaming Control Board, the Department of Public Safety, gaming license applicants, gaming employees, contractors, and bingo and raffle applicants.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad bipartisan support and little visible opposition in the recorded votes. It passed the Senate unanimously 39-0 and the House overwhelmingly 62-2, suggesting general agreement that tighter background screening and access controls are appropriate for gaming regulation. The absence of committee transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the vote margins indicate a generally favorable sentiment toward the measure.
Contention
The main policy issues are the scope and intrusiveness of background investigations, especially the inclusion of credit checks, tax-return access, and broad disclosure requirements for applicants and their affiliates. Another possible point of concern is the requirement that contractors seeking unescorted access to board facilities undergo the same type of screening as other regulated gaming participants. Any objections likely centered on privacy, administrative burden, or cost, though the strong vote totals suggest these concerns did not generate significant resistance.
Requires appropriate official file information on deaths in county with county clerk; provides additional ways for transferring deceased voter's record to Statewide voter registration system's death file.