Bingo legislation has not been pre-filed

DOTHAN, Ala.—Odds are good that gambling legislation will be introduced early in the 2010 Alabama legislative session, but no bills have been pre-filed. The session begins Jan. 12.

“We plan on introducing legislation that will put this issue once and for all before the people of Alabama,“ Country Crossing developer Ronnie Gilley said. “A vote that will tax, regulate and limit electronic bingo.“

Gilley does not back off the need for legislation, even though his machines have been certified compliant with an independent gaming lab, as meeting the six-point test put forward in a recent Supreme Court ruling. And even though county officials and legal advisors have researched the local amendment which allows gaming, and believe to be in compliance, Gilley wants to see a bill.

“We do not have a problem with our legal position,“ he said. “It is the governor who says it is illegal. We want to put it in the hands of the people.

“It will be a hot topic, for sure. All we want to do is reincorporate the basics of a democracy. Let the majority rule, and any legislator that is opposed to that, theoretically, has no business being in office,“ Gilley said. “We will absolutely make this an election issue in 2010. Not either pro-gambling or anti-gambling, but whether you support the basics of democracy.“

Sen. Scott Beason said he intended to file legislation for a vote. His bill would wipe out gaming in the state.

When reached this week, local lawmakers said they did not intend to introduce anything.

Rep. Warren Beck, R-Geneva:

“I’m not introducing anything and I’ve not heard of anything. As soon as the month of January turns, there will be lots of talk. It is a statewide issue. We need to get together and see which way we need to go with it. I know gambling makes the news everyday, but as far as any bills, I’ve not seen any.“

Rep. Locy Baker, D-Abbeville:

“What I have never done is introduce bills without consulting with local government officials. They usually are the ones to bring it to us to introduce something. Anything that affects the local community, if it’s prepared, I’m prepared (to introduce it).“

Sen. Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb:

“I would assume there are already people who are committed to sponsor this legislation. I know there are going to be several bingo bills, varying in language. I do plan to support one that supports our area, economic development and jobs.“

Rep. Benjamin Lewis, R-Dothan:

“I am on record for allowing the people to vote on the issue. There are concerns there will be problems with the Houston County law. I don’t know that. The chairman of the county commission said the machines are in compliance. If that is the case, there is no need to have another bill. But it would protect the operation there…. The reality is, we do have all these constitutional amendments. Do they allow for electronic bingo or not? I’m not sure.“

Sen. Roger Bedford, D-Russellville:

“I think we ought to tax it and regulate it. It is silly we are the only state in the nation with legalized gambling and no taxes and regulations. We have - and do have - legal gambling in Alabama that is untaxed and unregulated and I think that is wrong. They ought to pay their fair share and we ought to do something to protect the consumers.“

Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale:

“I am going to have a Constitutional Amendment to give the people of the state the opportunity to officially state their public policy position on gambling. We have allowed gambling to sneak in over the years. We have all these problems - it might be legal here, it might not. My bill allows the people to abolish it altogether and that is all it does. If it fails, we are back to where we are currently.“

Beason’s bill would end dog racing, electronic bingo, church bingo, or any gambling for a business. He said he doubts he could get 60 percent of legislators to support the bill “because the gambling interest is so strong.“