Stop the Gambling Bills

S.R. 135, Horse Races & Gambling introduced February 3rd by Senator Brandon Beach (R), authorizes the passage of laws to operate and regulate pari-mutuel betting on horse racing and associated businesses; and (b) dividing after-expense proceeds to organizations and educational institutions for the development and support of the equine industry. The Governor would make specific recommendations as to which programs the proceeds would be appropriated, such as scholarships, grants or loans to college students and voluntary pre-kindergarten.

Since S.R. 135 is a proposed constitutional amendment, a two-thirds vote is necessary for passage in the General Assembly. If it were to pass, voters1 would be asked this question on the November 2016 General Election ballot:

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia on horse racing?”

 

S.R. 143, Horse Racing, Casinos & Gambling introduced February 4th by Senator Curt Thompson (D) is a slightly different proposed constitutional amendment in that it authorizes the General Assembly to pass laws for the operation and regulation of pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and casino gambling in Georgia, and “any matters relating to such activities.” It requires net proceeds and revenues derived from such activities (after expenses, purses and cash prizes are paid) to be placed in a separate budget category entitled “Pari-mutuel Wagering and Casino Gambling Proceeds.”

As mentioned in other gambling legislation, left-over money would be dedicated to tuition scholarships, grants, or loans for Georgians to attend voluntary pre-kindergarten or colleges and universities within this state, as recommended by the Governor.

If passed, voters would be asked the following question on the 2016 General Election ballot:

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and casino gambling in this state and for the use of the net revenues and proceeds only for the purposes of funding higher education tuition scholarships, grants, or loans and voluntary pre-kindergarten programs?”

ACTION – Oppose S.R. 135 and S.R. 143. Contact Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee Senators Jeffares, Ch., 404 463-1376; Ginn, V-Ch., 656-4700; McKoon, Sec., 463-3931; Beach, 463-1378; Cowsert, 463-1366; Gooch, 656-9221; Harbison*, 656-0074; Henson*, 656-0085; Hill, Jack, 656-5038; Lucas*, 656-5035; Miller, 656-7454; Mullis, 656-0057; Shafer, 656-0048; and Unterman, 463-1368. (*denotes Democrat)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 A simple majority vote is required for passage of referenda questions.

Source: Georgia Insight 3 March