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Committee clears COAM industry cleanup bill after lengthy industry explanation
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Summary
The committee advanced a substitute to House Bill 903 to clarify regulation of coin‑operated amusement machines (COAMs), including hybrid machine limits, noncash redemption rules for tournaments, progressive discipline, and appeals to business court; industry representatives supported the cleanup and the substitute passed unanimously.
A committee substitute for House Bill 903 drew extended explanation from the presenter and supportive testimony from industry representatives aimed at tightening COAM regulation and protecting lottery revenue.
The presenter said the substitute mirrors language in a Senate companion and focuses on practical fixes: banning hybrid kiddie/noncash‑redemption machines, allowing noncash redemption for billiard and dart tournaments, banning revenue sharing by manufacturers and distributors, and establishing progressive discipline and appeals to business court. "We have done this every year," the presenter said, calling the substitute a "straightforward bill" to clean up the industry.
Les Schneider, representing the Georgia Amusement and Music Operators Association, told the committee the bill protects roughly $200 million in lottery revenue and discourages frivolous litigation by enabling judges to deter meritless arbitration tactics. Committee members asked technical questions about revenue splits and progressive discipline; the presenter confirmed a 15 percent allocation to the lottery and a 42.5/42.5 split between location owners and masters of the remaining revenues.
The committee moved and passed the substitute by voice vote. The transcript records the motion, a second and a unanimous result.
Why it matters: Supporters said the changes preserve lottery funding and clarify enforcement while streamlining appeals; industry groups framed the substitute as a necessary operational cleanup rather than new policy.
Next step: The bill will move to the next chamber with a committee endorsement.
