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Biloxi council unanimously opposes bills that would redefine legal gaming sites
Summary
The Biloxi City Council unanimously approved a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2381 and House Bill 1480, saying the measures could retroactively affect existing leases and pending site approvals; the council cited active leases and ongoing Gaming Commission review and expressed concern about changing rules during litigation.
The Biloxi City Council voted 7-0 to adopt a resolution opposing Senate Bill 2381 and House Bill 1480 in their present forms. City legal staff and council members said the bills would redefine what qualifies as a legal gaming site and could be written in ways that potentially invalidate existing leases or interfere with pending Gaming Commission approvals.
City Attorney Peter summarized the city's position and the background: several lease agreements (identified in the meeting as projects at sites such as the Tullus and Tivoli developments) have pending or approved Gaming Commission applications and, in some cases, litigation or administrative appeals. Peter said the bills are "very close" to arguments currently being made in court and that the city does not believe a legislative change should be used to influence ongoing lawsuits or retroactively affect site approvals.
Council members said the potential economic consequences are substantial if projects in process were delayed or invalidated. Councilman Glavin noted the scale of possible development and employment benefits and said the city—s lobbyists are actively working the issue. The resolution passed unanimously.
The council asked the administration and the city's lobbying team to continue engagement in Jackson and to monitor the bills and any litigation closely. The resolution will be transmitted as the city's official position to the legislature.
