How the senators voted

On March 3, Alabama senators voted not to bring Senate Bill (SB) 380, sponsored by Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville, up for debate.

This bill calls for a constitutional amendment to be voted on by Alabamians that would legalize slot machines in 10 casino-type facilities across the state.

In order to debate and vote on any bill before the two state budgets — General Fund and education — are approved, a three-fifths majority of the senators must vote yes to allow debate.

This procedural vote is referred to as the Budget Isolation Resolution (BIR) vote. In the Senate, that means 21 yes votes are needed. SB 380 received 18 yes votes and 16 no votes.