Lawmakers came into the legislative session with public feedback that a lottery is wanted in Alabama.

Sen. Jim McClendon, R-Springville, introduced a bill more than a week ago, but then another version came from Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range. When the Legislature returns to work Tuesday, lawmakers in the upper chamber will have to decide between the two. The Senate Tourism & Marketing Committee will be involved it vetting one or both bills.

McClendon’s bill proposes to provide the state’s four dog tracks access to the same gaming machines that the federally recognized Poarch Band of Creek Indians, who operate casinos in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka could have if a lottery came to Alabama. His bill also provides for a paper lottery, which could include large winnings as reported in other states as well as popular scratch-off cards. He also has recommended that revenue be split evenly between the Education Trust Fund and the General Fund, which is traditionally starved for money and carries services such as law enforcement, prisons

Albritton’s bill only addresses the paper lottery, but either bill that can make it through the Senate, House and gains the governor’s signature will create a constitutional amendment that would allow Alabama voters the chance to approve or deny a lottery.

Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, has a seat on the Tourism & Marketing Committee and said getting the lottery issue before voters has gained a strong push during the session.

“Everyone is beginning to take a close look at the two bills and consider which one will create the most benefits,” Gudger said. “We know Sen. McClendon’s bill will split the money between the two budgets. Sen. Albritton’s bill is clean, too, and simply is for a paper lottery. There will be questions about how the money will be distributed, but either one will at least get the issue to the voters.”

The last time voters had a shot at the lottery was 1999 and it was rejected. Some lawmakers are seeing a different feeling among voters now, with so publicity about growing needs across the state.

Gudger said one thought concerning Albritton’s bill is that it could provide a longterm lifeline for the General Fund and end the practice of borrowing from the Education Trust Fund to fill gaps.

The last effort in 2016 to get a lottery bill was sidetracked by amendments that turned some lawmakers against it, which in the end caused the effort to fail.

“I think it needs to be voted on by the people of Alabama; it’s that simple. A lot of lawmakers feel the same way going forward,” Gudger said.