A plan to legalize casino gambling in Georgia drew new, shallow, breaths Thursday as state Capitol denizens reminded each other that nothing is dead until lawmakers go home for the year.
With three days remaining in the 2017 legislative session that is set to end March 30, supporters of “destination resort” casinos began what could be their final play of the year.
A House subcommittee adopted a revised version of Senate Bill 5, which deals with the percentage of revenue the Georgia Lottery returns to the state to fund HOPE scholarships and grants and pre-K programs.
Later Thursday, Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Savannah, presented his House Bill 158 to the House Regulated Industries Committee. Stephens' bill would now allow up to four "destination resort" casinos in the state with the proceeds benefiting HOPE and a new needs-based scholarship program.
The committee took no action on the bill, despite Rep. Billy Mitchell's attempts to call for a vote.
Ever since Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta, pulled the plug on his casino bill, SB 79, in February, supporters have quietly discussed ways to keep the proposal moving. SB 5 was identified as a possible "vehicle."
HB 158 did not meet the Crossover Day deadline earlier this month, meaning it can’t reach the Senate this year anyway.
Now, SB 5 will be before the full House Appropriations Committee at 8 a.m. Friday, just before the start of the 38th Day of the 40-day session.
Many will be watching to see if a new amendment gets offered to add casino language to the bill.
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