HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Two months ago, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a gaming bill, but only a week after it was introduced.
The quick approval suggested there was enough momentum to get the measure on the November ballot, when voters will decide whether to legalize the game in the state.
But two months later, the Alabama House of Representatives and the Alabama Senate both approved very different gaming bills, with no formal consultation on how to adjust the bills.
Last week, Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), a co-sponsor of the House bill, said the Senate would nominate three conference members to meet with Whitt and two other House-appointed conference members. He said he expected that. Whitt said the meeting was not held because the Senate did not appoint anyone to the conference committee.
Whitt told News19 on Monday that he hopes the appointment will be made this week.
Tuesday will be the 22ndn.d. Alabama State Legislature Meeting Day. He has 30 official meeting days in Congress, but he needs to complete those official meeting days by mid-May. Whitt said there is still time to pass the bill.
The new bill is very different and will require several changes to reconcile the two measures.
The House gaming bill includes seven new casinos in addition to the three existing Porch Band of Creek Indian casinos, sports betting, and a lottery with proceeds going to education funds.
The Senate version would only allow the three existing casinos, no sports betting, and the lottery proposal would include funding for education, but would also include other programs determined by Congress. ing.
