(a) Expansion of independent testing and certification facility.--Within one year of the effective date of this section, the board shall expand the independent testing and certification facility created under section 1320(b) (relating to slot machine testing and certification standards) to include the testing and certification of table game devices and associated equipment. Costs associated with the expansion of the facility shall be assessed on manufacturers licensed to manufacture table game devices or associated equipment under this part in accordance with a schedule adopted by the board. The expanded facility shall be made available to each table game device manufacturer and supplier as determined by the board.

(b) Use of other state standards.--The board may determine whether the table game device testing and certification standards of another jurisdiction within the United States in which a manufacturer licensed pursuant to section 1317.1 (relating to manufacturer licenses) to manufacture table game devices or associated equipment used in connection with table games 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 the manufacturer appropriately licensed pursuant to section 1317.1 to deploy table game devices or associated equipment it manufactures which have met the table game device testing and certification standards in another jurisdiction without undergoing the full testing and certification process by the board's independent testing and certification facility.

(b.1) Use of private testing and certification facilities.--Notwithstanding any provision of this part or regulation of the board, if a table game device or associated equipment 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 table game device or associated equipment 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 board.

(4) Establish uniform procedures and standards which private testing and certification facilities must comply with during the testing and certification of table game devices and associated equipment.

(5) Utilize information provided by private testing and certification facilities for the abbreviated certification of table game devices or associated equipment.

(6) Establish an abbreviated certification process that may be used by registered private testing and certification facilities to test and certify table game devices or associated equipment.

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

(8) Require table game devices and associated equipment 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.

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

2017 Amendment. Act 42 added subsec. (b.1).