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Rhode Island Casino Issue Goes to Court

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – As reported by the Newport Daily News: "The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ask for a Supreme Court advisory opinion on the constitutionality of casino legislation introduced this year.

"After an hour-long debate, the House voted 42-26 to seek the Supreme Court's opinion on the bill introduced by Rep. Timothy A. Williamson, D-West Warwick, which would put the casino question before voters in a special election in November.

"Local lawmakers supporting the request for an advisory opinion were Reps. Raymond E. Gallison, D-Bristol, and Amy G. Rice, D-Portsmouth. Voting against it were Reps. Bruce J. Long, R-Middletown; Joseph N. Amaral, R-Tiverton; Paul W. Crowley, D-Newport; J. Russell Jackson, D-Newport; and John J. Loughlin II, R-Tiverton.

"Last year, the General Assembly passed similar legislation over Gov. Donald L. Carcieri's veto. But, at the governor's request, the state's high court ruled it was unconstitutional because the state constitution requires all lotteries, which the judges said included a casino, must be operated by the state. The bill last year said the proposed West Warwick casino would be operated by casino giant Harrah's Entertainment in conjunction with the Narragansett Indian tribe.

"…Opponents argued that it would be better to pass the casino bill first and then send it to the court…"

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