Casino commission member asks House to consider rejecting governor's executive order shifting oversight

Ralph Dempaughn, a member of the Commonwealth Casino Commission, told the House he is requesting an audience with legislators to brief them on an executive order the governor issued that transfers casino regulatory authority to the Lawry Commission. “As we all know, the governor issued that executive order,” Dempaughn said, and asked the House to consider how to respond.

Dempaughn urged the House to be prepared to “modify or reject the executive order” if necessary and said the commission will provide an official statement. “So having said that, no, again, we strongly suggest or support the rejection of the executive order,” he said. He also told members he expects a district court hearing on the matter “June by Thursday or Friday,” and that the outcome would clarify next steps.

Earlier in the session the clerk referred governor's communication 24‑25, regarding Executive Order 2025‑002, to the committee on JGO (Judiciary and Governmental Operations) for review. Dempaughn said the commission would like an audience with the House so members can be “appraised as to what we are going to do and what has been done and what would be the best approach to address this issue.”

No floor action to accept or reject the executive order occurred during the session; the House referred the governor's communication to JGO for review and Dempaughn indicated the commission will furnish an official statement for members to review.