MONTGOMERY — Governor Kay Ivey expressed support for comprehensive gambling legislation passed by the House two weeks ago and said she "wouldn't sign just any bill" into law on Tuesday.
The House recently approved two bills that laid the basis for comprehensive gaming. House Bill 151 (HB151) repeals all constitutional amendments allowing gambling in certain parts of the state and removes the state's constitutional gambling prohibition. House Bill 152 (HB152) authorizes a series of provisions legalizing casino gaming in specific locations, a statewide lottery, and online sports betting.
There was no public movement on the two bills in the Senate last week, but negotiations continue privately on the topic.
Multiple opponents of the legislation in the Senate said the comprehensive gambling package was dead last week. Although, they did say a bill creating just a lottery was a possibility.
After speaking to the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday morning, Ivey told reporters she planned to meet with Senate leadership that same day.
"I won't sign just any bill. Illegal gambling is already rampant. The state is getting nothing back in return so we've got to fix this and we've got to get it right. The House passed a good bill. I'm meeting with leadership today to see what the Senate's thinking is. I won't sign just any bill," Ivey said.
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