Sponsor Statement for SB 124

Charitable Gaming Salmon & Race Classic

This legislation amends AS 05.15.100(a) by including race classics as one of the games of skill and chance which municipalities or qualified organizations are allowed to conduct. One function of this bill is to authorize a classic for the Seward Mt. Marathon Race, to be operated by the Seward Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors' Bureau. The bill therefore includes a definition for "race" classics.

The bill also amends AS 05.15.690(40) by extending the definition of a salmon classic to include the Seward Silver Salmon Derby Classic and the Sterling Area Senior Citizen's, Inc. Sockeye Salmon Crossing Classic.

Both the Seward Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors' Bureau and the Sterling Area Senior Citizen's, Inc., are non-profit corporations. Both entities provide a valuable community service and, like many local service organizations, they are searching for ways to supplement their revenues.

Providing these potential revenue vehicles will assist these service organizations in the continuation of the services they provide for their respective communities.

SS: SB 124 S(RUL): 4/7/97: mj