Bill to reduce gambling penalties makes it through State Assembly
Posted by Joe Fanaselle at 5/11/2008 1:33 AM and is filed under uncategorized 
A bill that seeks to reduce the penalties for petty gambling has passed in the State Assembly. The bill, introduced by Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries who represents the 66th district, will lower the penalties for participating in "pool" style gambling that is typically conducted in workplaces and is centered around professional sports.
In a written statement, Jeffries said "Whether it's Super Bowl Sunday, March Madness or the NBA Playoffs, countless Californians will take part in harmless pools at their office or amongst their friends. And it just seems crazy to me that we would elevate this activity to such a high level of criminal prosecution."
Jeffries introduced the bill after two women were arrested last year in Wildomar. 73 year old Margaret Hamblin and 39 year old Cari Gardner were accused of running a $50 football pool at the Wildomar Elks Lodge. Both women plead not guilty, resulting in a trial that Jeffries says cost California taxpayers thousands of dollars.
The bill seeks to reduce the charge for such an offense to an infraction which would be punishable by a fine of $500 or less. Current California law classifies the crime as a misdemeanor or felony which is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year in prison.
"While our goal is not to legalize this sort of activity outright, we believe that it is important for the punishment to fit the crime," Jeffries said. "I am sure that there are more serious issues that law enforcement and our courts can be addressing."
The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the State Assembly. It has now moved on to the State Senate for approval.
In a written statement, Jeffries said "Whether it's Super Bowl Sunday, March Madness or the NBA Playoffs, countless Californians will take part in harmless pools at their office or amongst their friends. And it just seems crazy to me that we would elevate this activity to such a high level of criminal prosecution."
Jeffries introduced the bill after two women were arrested last year in Wildomar. 73 year old Margaret Hamblin and 39 year old Cari Gardner were accused of running a $50 football pool at the Wildomar Elks Lodge. Both women plead not guilty, resulting in a trial that Jeffries says cost California taxpayers thousands of dollars.
The bill seeks to reduce the charge for such an offense to an infraction which would be punishable by a fine of $500 or less. Current California law classifies the crime as a misdemeanor or felony which is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and up to one year in prison.
"While our goal is not to legalize this sort of activity outright, we believe that it is important for the punishment to fit the crime," Jeffries said. "I am sure that there are more serious issues that law enforcement and our courts can be addressing."
The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the State Assembly. It has now moved on to the State Senate for approval.