By Jennifer Davis Rash
Legislation promoting a state-sponsored lottery seems to be “on the fast track,” according to Joe Godfrey, executive director of Alabama Citizens Action Program (ALCAP).
Rep. Alan Harper, R-Northport, is sponsoring House Bill (HB) 13, which calls for a vote of the people to approve or reject a constitutional amendment allowing lottery gambling in Alabama. The lottery would be operated on behalf and for the benefit of the state.
Its companion bill — Senate Bill (SB) 19, sponsored by Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville — was still in the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee at press time.
HB 13 passed out of the House of Representatives Committee on Economic Development and Tourism following public hearings on both bills Feb. 10. It is now eligible to be debated and voted on by the full House of Representatives.
If either version of the bill passes the Legislature and is approved by voters in November, then lawmakers could establish a lottery in the 2017 regular session of the Legislature.
Because the legislation is calling for a constitutional amendment, it will require the approval of two-thirds of both chambers — 63 votes in the House and 21 votes in the Senate — to pass.
Godfrey said it is urgent to contact the state’s senators and representatives.
“If we don’t stop the legislation now, there will be a bill passed to allow a statewide vote on a lottery and the churches are going to have to fund the fight.”
Ask about the details of the bill and find out if casino gambling could be added to the law later without a vote of the people if the bill were to pass, Godfrey noted.
More than lottery gambling?
While McClendon claims the legislation would not allow any other form of gambling to be added, ALCAP legal adviser and Birmingham attorney Eric Johnston disagreed. He said the wording in the bill would allow the Legislature to set up casinos in the state after the constitutional amendment is approved by the people.
Godfrey has been encouraged by those opposed to gambling showing up to voice their concerns and made special mention of two legislators who spoke out.
“I especially want to thank Rep. Arnold Mooney, R-Birmingham, and Rep. Rich Wingo, R-Tuscaloosa, … who spoke against the bills in each public hearing,” he said.
“It is vital that your legislators hear from you, even if you have contacted them in the past,” Godfrey said. “We need for them to oppose all pro-gambling bills and procedural votes.”
For more information, visit alcap.com.
To contact your legislator, visit capwiz.com/state-al/home.
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