HB4679 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB104 17813 LNS 31246 b

104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2025 and 2026
HB4679

Introduced , by Rep. Kam Buckner

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

230 ILCS 40/25.5 new

Amends the Video Gaming Act. Requires the Illinois Gaming Board to provide written status updates to each applicant for a license issued under the Act no later than 30, 60, and 90 days after the date the application is deemed complete by the Board. Sets forth information to be included in the written status updates. Provides that if the Board has not issued a final determination approving or denying an application within 365 days after the date the application is deemed complete, the Board shall issue a conditional approval to the applicant unless the delay is attributable to: the applicant's failure to timely provide requested information or documentation; a pending criminal investigation or enforcement action directly involving the applicant; or a written finding by the Board, supported by specific facts, that issuance of a conditional approval would pose a material risk to the public interest or the integrity of video gaming. Provides that a conditional approval authorizes the applicant to proceed with preparatory business activities consistent with licensure but does not authorize operation of video gaming terminals until final approval is issued. Provides that nothing limits the Board's authority to approve, deny, suspend, revoke, or condition a license upon completion of its investigation. Provides that any delay caused by the applicant's failure to timely respond to a written request from the Board tolls the time periods until the requested information is received. Allows the Board to adopt rules to implement the provisions.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning gaming.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Video Gaming Act is amended by adding Section 25.5 as follows:

(230 ILCS 40/25.5 new)

Sec. 25.5. Licensing transparency, status reporting, and conditional approval.

(a) The Board shall provide written status updates to each applicant for a license issued under this Act no later than:

(1) 30 days after the date the application is deemed complete by the Board;

(2) 60 days after the date the application is deemed complete by the Board; and

(3) 90 days after the date the application is deemed complete by the Board.

Each status update shall include, to the extent reasonably available:

(i) confirmation of whether the application remains under active review;

(ii) identification of any outstanding documents, deficiencies, or investigative items requested from the applicant;

(iii) identification of any material issues or concerns flagged by the Board that could affect suitability; and

(iv) an estimated time frame for completion of the review.

Nothing in this subsection requires disclosure of confidential investigative methods, law enforcement information, or information otherwise protected by law.

(b) If the Board has not issued a final determination approving or denying an application within 365 days after the date the application is deemed complete, the Board shall issue a conditional approval to the applicant unless the delay is attributable to:

(1) the applicant's failure to timely provide requested information or documentation;

(2) a pending criminal investigation or enforcement action directly involving the applicant; or

(3) a written finding by the Board, supported by specific facts, that issuance of a conditional approval would pose a material risk to the public interest or the integrity of video gaming.

(c) A conditional approval authorizes the applicant to proceed with preparatory business activities consistent with licensure but does not authorize operation of video gaming terminals until final approval is issued. The Board retains the authority to impose reasonable conditions, monitoring requirements, or restrictions necessary to protect the public interest during the conditional approval period.

(d) Nothing in this Section limits the Board's authority to approve, deny, suspend, revoke, or condition a license upon completion of its investigation.

(e) Any delay caused by the applicant's failure to timely respond to a written request from the Board tolls the time periods established in this Section until the requested information is received.

(f) The Board may adopt rules to implement this Section consistent with the timelines and transparency requirements established herein.