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Pennsylvania Senate Republicans Force Gambling Law Changes

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer: "Senate Republicans, many of whom opposed the state's new gambling law, forced through legislation yesterday that would make a range of changes to the three-month-old law, including significantly broadening the attorney general's oversight authority.

"The amendment also would wipe out the state gambling commission's power to override local zoning ordinances, except in Philadelphia, and a requirement that slot machines be purchased through a Pennsylvania-based distributor.

"Once the bill reached the Senate floor, the Republican majority invoked a rarely used motion to cut off debate, prompting Democratic State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo of South Philadelphia into a tirade that included a derogatory sexual term hurled at Republican senators.

"…The amendment passed 49-1, with Fumo voting against it.

"…The amendment would require the attorney general to approve the legality of leases, contracts and regulations passed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and would establish an investigative division within the Attorney General's Office to address gambling-related criminal activity.

"The amendment also would forbid lawmakers and public officials to have any interest in a company that operates or supplies a gambling hall, unless that financial stake were held in a fund over which they would have no control - for example, a blind trust, tuition-account plan, mutual fund, or defined-benefit pension fund…"

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