California Assembly Bill AB77

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/17/24
• Refer: 2/3/25
• Report Pass: 3/19/25
• Refer: 3/19/25
• Report Pass: 4/23/25
• Engrossed: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/14/25
• Report Pass: 6/10/25
• Refer: 6/10/25

Caption

An act to amend Section 19817 of the Business and Professions Code, relating to gambling.

Impact

If enacted, AB77 will increase the number of voices in the regulatory discussions concerning gambling in California. By incorporating perspectives from academia and additional governmental representation, the bill seeks to enhance the committee's capabilities in advising the California Gambling Control Commission. Moreover, the requirement to convene meetings at least twice a year, instead of sporadically, signifies a shift towards more structured and responsive governance in relation to gambling policy discussions. This could lead to more informed regulatory decisions that reflect a wider range of stakeholder inputs.

Summary

Assembly Bill No. 77, introduced by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, proposes amendments to Section 19817 of the Business and Professions Code to expand the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee. Currently, this committee consists of 10 members; the bill aims to increase its membership to 12, incorporating one representative from academia with expertise in gaming and one member from the Bureau of Gambling Control. This alteration underscores a broader outreach for diverse perspectives in gambling regulation, aligning the committee's composition more closely with current industry standards and public interests.

Contention

While the bill seems to be a step forward in enhancing the representativeness of the Gaming Policy Advisory Committee, it may face scrutiny regarding the extent of its advisory role. The bill specifies that recommendations made by the committee are advisory and not binding on the commission. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the committee's contributions and whether the inclusion of academic and bureau representatives will lead to substantive changes in gambling policies or merely serve as a token gesture towards inclusivity.