§1300.26. Video draw poker devices; local option election; Natchitoches Parish

            A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the governing authority of Natchitoches Parish is hereby authorized to call and conduct an election on a proposition to allow the operation of video draw poker devices within that parish.

            B.(1) The governing authority of Natchitoches Parish may call, by ordinance or resolution, an election on the proposition of whether the operation of video draw poker devices, as authorized by Chapter 8 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, shall be permitted within that parish.

            (2) The ordinance or resolution shall specify the date of the election and the wording of the proposition to appear on the ballot.

            C.(1) An election called as provided by this Section may be held on any date as provided by R.S. 18:402(F), provided it falls more than forty-five days but not more than six months after the meeting at which the resolution or ordinance calling the election is adopted.

            (2) Except as provided in this Section, the election shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the Election Code governing proposition elections. Any elector who was qualified to vote in the election may demand a recount of the ballots or contest the election in the manner and within the time provided by law for recount or contest of elections under the Election Code.

            D.(1) If a majority of the electors voting in the election authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Section vote to permit the operation of video draw poker devices, then video draw poker devices may be operated in Natchitoches Parish as provided by law.

            (2) If a majority of the electors voting in an election authorized pursuant to the provisions of this Section vote not to permit the operation of video draw poker devices in Natchitoches Parish, then no license shall be issued to conduct the operation of video draw poker devices in Natchitoches Parish, and the operation of video draw poker shall be prohibited in that parish.

            E. The governing authority of Natchitoches Parish shall promptly notify the Louisiana Gaming Control Board of the results of the election.

            F. The cost of the election provided for by this Section shall be borne by the governing authority of Natchitoches Parish.

            G. The election authorized pursuant to this Section shall take place only once.

            Acts 2022, No. 125, §1, eff. May 25, 2022.