Courier Journal -A third constitutional amendment that could allow Kentucky casinos was filed on Tuesday by House Speaker Greg Stumbo.
The Prestonsburg Democrat’s House Bill 584 would add a line to the constitution that says “nothing in this section shall preclude the General Assembly from authorizing other forms of gaming by general law.”
If three-fifths of both chambers approve, the question that would be sent to voters for ratification would be: “Are you in favor of allowing the General Assembly to pass laws authorizing other forms of gaming?”
The bill puts into writing Stumbo’s long-held position that the current constitutional language cited by gambling opponents only refers to state-run lotteries and not casinos. But Stumbo has said an amendment may be needed for legislators to feel comfortable approving expanded gambling, since it would be submitted to voters.
Stumbo said he believes his amendment, if voted on now, would get close to the 60 votes needed if not 60. Stumbo said he had not discussed his proposal with racetracks or the pro-casino Kentucky Wins! group that includes Louisville-based Churchill Downs Inc.
“It doesn’t concern them,” Stumbo said. “It doesn’t concern really anybody except the members of the General Assembly.”
Comments from Churchill were not immediately available, and a Keeneland official declined to comment because the bill is still being reviewed.
The pro-casino Kentucky Equine Education Project, chaired by Kentucky Downs President Corey Johnsen, reaffirmed its position last week that it could only support an amendment that directly benefits the horse industry, Executive Director Bob Heleringer said Tuesday.
