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Pennsylvania House Approves Gambling Measure

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Associated Press: "The state House of Representatives on Monday approved a measure that would ban lawmakers from owning a stake in gambling-related businesses and also would make several other changes to Pennsylvania's new gambling law.

"But even as they sent the latest version of the bill to the Senate, some House members said they expected a final version to require the work of a conference committee, which will be appointed by leaders of both houses if the Senate disagrees with the changes.

"The House voted 170-22 to amend the bill passed by the Senate on Oct. 6, then passed the amended bill 180-0.

"…Erik Arneson, chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader David J. Brightbill, said he expected the Senate to take up the bill on today.

"The changes were prompted in part by public outrage over a provision that allowed public officials to own up to 1 percent of a financial stake in a gambling company. The bill passed by the Senate removes that language but provides exceptions for mutual funds, blind trusts and pensions. It also would expand the attorney general's enforcement powers over a new gambling commission.

"The House amendment, sponsored by House Majority Leader Sam Smith, would allow the Gaming Control Board to override local zoning laws, just as the original gambling law passed in July does. Municipal officials would be able to appeal to a court if they believed the gambling commission did not adequately address the impact that granting a license would have on the community…"

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