House committee to consider revamped lottery bill
Published 9:52 am Thursday, May 9, 2019
- The Alabama House of Representatives convense during the 2019 Alabama Legislature's organizational session at the Alabama State House in Montgomery, Ala., on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2019.
MONTGOMERY (AP) — A legislative committee is considering reworked lottery legislation as supporters anticipate a tight vote in the House of Representatives.
The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Thursday heard details of a substitute plan by Rep. Steve Clouse. Committee members will vote next week.
The bill, like the Senate-passed plan, authorizes a lottery with paper tickets.
However, it sends 75 % of proceeds to the general fund and 25 % to the education budget, instead of using a large portion to pay off debt.
Clouse says the state has pressing budget needs and members want to use some money for education.
Clouse said he expects a close House vote. The bill face a mixture of opposition from lawmakers opposed to gambling and those who want to allow electronic gambling terminals.