Senate Bill 2350

AN ACT TO REQUIRE GAMING LICENSEES TO GIVE PREFERENCE TO MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS WHEN SUPPLYING THEIR GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS AND WHEN HIRING EMPLOYEES; 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 except where not reasonably possible to do so without added expense, substantial inconvenience or sacrifice in operational efficiency. In considering applicants for employment, the licensee shall give preference and priority to Mississippi residents; and, of persons who are hired after July 1, 2004, not less than eighty percent (80%) shall have been residents of this state for at least one (1) year immediately prior to employment.

Each gaming licensee shall report annually to the 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, 2004.