Notice is hereby provided that in accordance with G.L. c. 30A § 2, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (“Commission”) will convene a public hearing for purposes of gathering comments, ideas, and information relative to proposed regulations in 205 CMR.  The proposal was developed pursuant to G.L. c. 23K § 5, as part of the Commission’s regulation promulgation process, and concerns the following regulations:

205 CMR 134.03: Gaming Service Employees.  This amended regulation, currently adopted by emergency, allows a gaming licensee to temporarily allow an individual(s) to assist with gaming establishment employee training and related purposes without having to become licensed or registered, from the date operations are recommenced after any period of suspension.

205 CMR 138.72: Policies and Procedures for Ensuring a Workplace Free from Unlawful Discrimination, Harassment and Retaliation.  The proposed regulation requires a system of internal controls for a licensee that includes policies and procedures to ensure a workplace free from unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

205 CMR 149.04: Race Horse Development Fund: Distributions; Escrow Accounts.  This amended regulation, currently adopted by emergency, allows the Horse Race Committee and the Commission flexibility to set the distribution percentage of monies from the Race Horse Development Fund in a manner to ensure more precise distribution of funds.

Scheduled hearing date and time: Thursday, August 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.

Given the unprecedented circumstances, Governor Charles Baker issued an order to provide limited relief from certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law to protect the health and safety of the public and individuals interested in attending public meetings during the global Coronavirus pandemic. In keeping with the guidance provided, the Commission will conduct this hearing utilizing remote collaboration technology.

CONFERENCE CALL NUMBER:  1-646-741-5292

PARTICIPANT CODE:  111 839 3300

A complete copy of the draft regulation referenced above may be downloaded by visiting www.massgaming.com, clicking on ‘Regulations and Compliance’ and selecting the ‘Proposed Rulemaking’ section. Anyone wishing to offer comments on this regulation can email shara.bedard@massgaming.gov and request the virtual hearing link to appear and speak.  Alternatively, written comments may also be submitted to that same email address with ‘Regulation Comment’ in the subject line. Comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2020.