CT HB07319

Requires the Commissioners of Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development to jointly issue a request for proposals by January 1, 2018, to select an entity to develop, manage, operate, and maintain a casino gaming facility in Connecticut.

Responders must submit a $15 million nonrefundable application fee (waived for Mashantucket Pequot Tribe and Mohegan Tribe), agree to a minimum $500 million investment, and pay 35% of gross gaming revenue to the state.

Requires a municipal development agreement with annual payments of at least $8 million to the host municipality, approved by local referendum, and a revenue-sharing plan with adjacent municipalities.

Mandates responders set aside at least 25% of construction contracts for small contractors, minority business enterprises, and veteran-owned micro businesses, and submit plans addressing workforce development, public health impacts, and off-track betting protection.

Selected entity must pay a $50 million licensing fee before construction begins and cannot operate until the General Assembly enacts legislation authorizing casino gaming in the state.