Sec. 13. (a) The commission may hold a public hearing to obtain input on the proposed issuance of an annual activity license to an applicant that is applying to conduct annual bingo events or casino game night activities that has never previously held a license to conduct such activities under this article.

     (b) A qualified organization that applies for an initial annual activity license to conduct annual bingo events or casino game night activities shall publish notice that the application has been filed by publication at least one (1) time in one (1) newspaper in the county where the allowable activity will be conducted.

     (c) The notification required by subsection (b) must contain the following:

(1) The name of the qualified organization and the fact that it has applied for an annual activity license to conduct annual bingo events or casino game night activities.

(2) The location where the activities will be held.

(3) The names of the operator and officers of the qualified organization.

(4) A statement that any person can protest the proposed issuance of the annual activity license.

(5) A statement that the commission shall hold a public hearing if ten (10) written and signed protest letters are received by the commission.

(6) The address of the commission where correspondence concerning the application may be sent.

     (d) If the commission receives at least ten (10) protest letters, the commission shall hold a public hearing in accordance with IC 5-14-1.5. The commission shall issue a license or deny the application not later than sixty (60) days after the date of the public hearing.

     (e) The commission may hold a public hearing for the reissuance of an annual activity license to conduct annual bingo events or casino game night activities if at least one (1) of the following conditions is met:

(1) An applicant has been cited for a violation of law or a rule of the commission.

(2) The commission receives at least ten (10) protest letters concerning the qualified organization’s bingo operation.

(3) A public hearing is considered necessary by the commission.

As added by P.L.58-2019, SEC.4.