Ways and Means retains video lottery bill for further work, votes 20-0

The House Ways and Means Committee voted on an executive-session motion March 5 to retain House Bill 728, a proposal to authorize video lottery terminals at charity gaming facilities and to repeal historic-horse-racing licensing. Representative Bill Ullery moved to retain the bill and Representative Robert Ors seconded the motion.

Ullery explained the rationale for retention: "By retaining this bill at this point, it gives the house a bill that we can do in to, zap in at the beginning of next year if we decide we want to disagree with what happens over the next couple of months," he said, arguing that retention would allow additional discussions with the Finance Committee on allocation percentages and problem-gaming planning.

After discussion, the committee recorded a roll-call vote of 20 in favor, 0 opposed; the clerk reported the names and the tally on the record. Committee members said retaining the bill will allow negotiators and staff to refine the allocation structure and to consider an amendment that redirects certain state shares to the Education Trust Fund rather than other statutory allocations.

Why it matters: Retaining HB 728 keeps the measure active in Ways and Means and preserves options to amend percentage allocations and problem-gaming provisions before the House takes a final position. Several committee members said they plan to meet with Finance Committee counterparts and stakeholders to finalize revenue and allocation assumptions.

What's next: The bill was retained in committee; proponents and opponents will have time to continue discussions with Finance and leadership on allocations and problem-gaming programs before any house-floor action.