Casino commission urges House to review governor—s executive order; House refers order to JGO

Ralph DeMappan, a member of the Commonwealth Casino Commission, told the House that the commission seeks an audience with members to explain recent steps and to discuss Governor—s Executive Order 2025-002, which the speaker—s visitor said transfers casino regulatory authority to the Lawry Commission.

"We strongly suggest or support the rejection of the executive order," DeMappan said, and asked members to meet with the commission so the House could be "appraised as to what we are going to do and what has been done." He also said a district court hearing expected Thursday or Friday should clarify next steps.

The request came during public comment. DeMappan said the commission—s chairman would provide an official statement and that the commission respected the governor—s authority while urging the legislature to consider whether to modify or reject the order.

Speaker Villalomez subsequently directed that governor's communication 24-25, which relates to Executive Order 2025-002, be referred to the House Committee on Judiciary and Government Operations for review.

The hearing date DeMappan mentioned was described as imminent; he asked the House to await the court's outcome before taking a final position and said the commission would provide additional information to members prior to that decision.

No formal floor vote on the executive order was held during the session; the only recorded House action on the matter was the referral to JGO for review.

Next steps: the commission declined to present a written position at the podium immediately but indicated the chairman would submit an official statement to members. The referral means JGO will review the governor's communication and may report back to the full House with recommendations or draft legislation.