MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2002 Regular Session

To: Ways and Means

By: Representative Ketchings

House Bill 599

AN ACT TO REQUIRE GAMING LICENSEES TO GIVE PREFERENCE TO MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS WHEN PURCHASING GOODS AND SERVICES FOR THEIR GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS AND TO PURCHASE A CERTAIN PERCENTAGE OF SUCH GOODS AND SERVICES FROM MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

     BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

     SECTION 1.  In all contracts or purchases for the provision of goods or services to a gaming licensee's licensed gaming establishment and related facilities, the licensee shall give preference and priority to Mississippi residents, laborers, vendors and suppliers and shall purchase at least fifty percent (50%) of such goods or services from Mississippi residents, laborers, vendors and suppliers, except where not reasonably possible to do so without added expense, substantial inconvenience or sacrifice in operational efficiency.

     Each gaming licensee shall report annually to the Mississippi Gaming Commission, at a time determined by the commission, regarding the licensee's compliance with the provisions of this section.

     SECTION 2.  This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2002.