Executive Order  No. 441: Establishing a commission to study the potential expansion of legalized gaming

WHEREAS, the development and implementation of public policy relating to the potential expansion of legalized gaming requires a thorough examination of relevant fiscal, economic, cultural and social implications for the Commonwealth, its citizens and political subdivisions;

WHEREAS, research conducted heretofore regarding the effects of such gaming on the economic, social, cultural and fiscal well-being of host states and their communities has yielded inconsistent results; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to ensure that any potential expansion of legalized gaming effectuated through comprehensive legislation reflects the most current and detailed information available in order to fully protect the interests of the citizens of the Commonwealth;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jane M. Swift, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Supreme Executive Magistrate, do hereby order as follows:

Section 1. There is hereby established a Commission to Study the Potential Expansion of Legalized Gaming (the "Commission"). The Commission shall comprehensively research, identify and study the potential effects, both positive and negative, of legalized gaming expansion on the economic, social, cultural and fiscal well-being of the Commonwealth, its citizens and political subdivisions. In addition, the Commission shall research, identify and study the appropriate means by which the Commonwealth should govern any expanded gaming. The Commission, in fulfilling these duties, should consider all relevant federal and state law concerning legalized gaming.

Section 2. The Commission shall be consist of no more than nineteen (19) members appointed by the Governor. The Commission shall include: the Secretary of the Executive Office of Administration and Finance or his designee; the Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety or his designee; the Director of the State Racing Commission or his designee; one member recommended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; one member recommended by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; one member recommended by the President of the Senate; one member recommended by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one member recommended by the Attorney General; one member representing the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association; one member representing the Massachusetts Municipal Association; one member representing the Associated Industries of Massachusetts; one member recommended by the Treasurer and Receiver General; the Executive Director of the State Lottery or his designee; one municipal official; a nationally recognized expert on legalized gaming; a nationally recognized expert on Indian gaming; a representative of a labor union whose employees are likely to be impacted by the expansion of legalized gaming; and two at-large members.

Section 3. The Governor shall appoint one of the members to serve as Chair of the Commission. All members shall serve without compensation in an advisory capacity to and at the pleasure of the Governor.

Section 4. The Commission shall conduct no fewer than two (2) public hearings with each of those two (2) meetings to be conducted in a different geographical location across the Commonwealth. The subject of the hearings shall be the potential effects of legalized gaming expansion on the economic, social, cultural and fiscal well- being of the Commonwealth, its citizens and political subdivisions.

Section 5. The Commission may call and rely upon the expertise and services of individuals and entities outside of its membership for research, advice, support or other functions necessary and appropriate to further and accomplish its mission.

Section 6. The Commission shall meet at such times and places as determined by the Chair and give such advice that it deems appropriate to the Governor from time to time, provided that it shall submit a report to the Governor setting forth the results of its investigation and study, along with its recommendations and specific legislative proposals, if any, for the implementation of those recommendations, no later than December 31, 2002.

Given at the Executive Chamber in Boston This 3rd day of October in the year two thousand and two.

Jane M. Swift

Acting Governor

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

William Francis Galvin

Secretary of the Commonwealth