An Alabama Gambling Expansion bill was said to be discussed by a conference committee on April 24th, however, the meeting was postponed despite the upcoming deadline.
Alabama Gambling Expansion Bill Stalls
The planned discussion for the Alabama gambling expansion bill was set to go ahead on April 24th, but was postponed and was not given a new date.
Lawmakers within the state have just over a week to address the rescheduling, as the deadline comes on May 5th – which will decide if the bill goes to the house and senate to be approved.
If all goes to plan and the bill is accepted, it would then go to a vote, which if successful would allow the bill to go into the November ballot.
Chris Blackshear, a Representative for the bill, has revealed that a number of productive meetings with the conference committee have occurred.
This group is made up of a variety of members, including Senators Greg Albritton, Garlan Gudger and Bobby Singleton and Representatives Blackshear, Andy Whitt and Sam Jones.
The bill that allows for new gambling within the state was passed by the house in February and then entered into talks with several senate committees.
After this interventions from the senate committees, the bill was heavily adjusted and a multitude of parts were removed – with the lottery feature being the only segment to pass the senate floor on March 7th.
A full agreement may not be made at the conference committee, as even though the bill passed the house, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians may have a vital say.
The group currently oversees the three in-land casinos in Alabama and did not back the senates edition of this bill – which would let gambling occur at state bingo halls and racetracks.
Member in the Black caucus also showed dispute to the bill, as they believe they had been exiled from the discussions that would impact the district.