Palm Beach Post – A Florida House committee took a first glance Thursday at a gambling plan that would create a gaming commission, do away with inactive pari-mutuel permits and rein in barrel racing and other types of horse racing that one Republican lawmaker called “sham” activities.
The Florida Select Committee on Gaming debated the 411-page plan and a proposed constitutional amendment that would give voters the power to decide whether gambling should be expanded in the future. The proposed amendment would have no impact on whatever lawmakers approve this year, including whether to authorize Las Vegas-style casino resorts that are part of a Senate proposal.
Any action this year “would be our last bite of the apple,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, a Fort Walton Beach Republican who sponsored the constitutional proposal (PCB SCOG 14-01).
“You would like to tie the hands of future legislators … but allow us to do what we want to do?” asked Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek.
“That is correct,” Gaetz replied.
House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, has said his chamber will not pass any gambling legislation without the accompanying constitutional amendment, which would require 60 percent approval by voters if lawmakers put it on the November ballot. Weatherford also said he wants Gov. Rick Scott to wrap up negotiations with the Seminole Tribe of Florida regarding a deal slated to sunset in mid-2015 giving the tribe the exclusive rights to certain games in exchange for $1 billion.
During less than an hour of debate on the proposals Thursday, committee members offered competing takes on what should and should not be included in the final bills.
