(a) Use of other state standards.--The board may determine, at its discretion, whether the slot machine testing and certification standards of another jurisdiction within the United States in which an applicant for a manufacturer license is licensed are comprehensive and thorough and provide similar adequate safeguards as those required by this part. If the board makes that determination, it may permit a manufacturer through a licensed supplier as provided in section 1317 (relating to supplier licenses) to deploy those slot machines which have met the slot machine testing and certification standards in such other jurisdictions without undergoing the full testing and certification process by a board-established independent facility. In the event slot machines of an applicant for a manufacturer license are licensed in such other jurisdiction, the board may determine to use an abbreviated process requiring only that information determined by the board to be necessary to consider the issuance of a slot machine certification to such an applicant.

(b) Facility in Commonwealth.--Within three years immediately following the effective date of this part, the board shall establish and maintain an independent slot machine testing and certification facility. The cost for the establishment and operation of an independent slot machine testing and certification facility shall be paid by each licensed manufacturer in accordance with a schedule adopted by the board. The facility shall be made available to each slot machine manufacturer and supplier as determined by the board.

(b.1) Use of private testing and certification facilities.--Notwithstanding any other provisions of this part or regulation of the board, if a slot machine is tested and certified by a private testing and certification facility registered with the board, the board shall use an abbreviated certification process requiring only that information determined by it to be necessary to consider the issuance of a slot machine certification under this section. Within one year of the effective date of this subsection, the board shall promulgate regulations that:

(1) Provide for the registration of private testing and certification facilities. Persons seeking registration under this subsection shall be subject to section 1202(b)(9) (relating to general and specific powers).

(2) Specify the form and content of the application for registration.

(3) Establish and collect an application fee for persons seeking registration. The application fee shall include the costs of all background investigations as determined necessary and appropriate by the bureau.

(4) Establish uniform procedures and standards which private testing and certification facilities must comply with during the testing and certification of slot machines.

(5) Utilize information provided by private testing and certification facilities for the abbreviated certification of slot machines.

(6) Establish an abbreviated certification process that may be used by registered private testing and certification facilities to test and certify slot machines.

(7) Establish fees that must be paid by licensed manufacturers.

(8) Require slot machines submitted for abbreviated certification to be approved or denied by the board within 30 days from the date of submission to the board. If the board fails to act within the 30-day period, the abbreviated certification shall be deemed conditionally approved.

(9) Provide procedures and standards for the suspension and revocation of the registration of a private testing and certification facility and the reinstatement of a suspended or revoked registration, as determined appropriate by the board.

(c) Central control computer compatibility.--The board shall ensure that all slot machines certified and approved for use in this Commonwealth are compatible and comply with the central control computer and protocol specifications approved by the department.

(Oct. 30, 2017, P.L.419, No.42, eff. imd.)

2017 Amendment. Act 42 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b.1).

Cross References. Section 1320 is referred to in section 13A41 of this title.