MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery on Tuesday for the 2021 regular session that will be conducted differently because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Access to certain areas of the statehouse is limited and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will give a televised State of the State address instead of appearing before lawmakers. Legislators plan to meet for two weeks and then take a break to review COVID-19 precautions.
Here are some key issues to watch during 2021 when lawmakers return to Montgomery.
GAMBLING
Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh is introducing legislation to establish a state lottery and allow casinos in the state. Alabama is one of only about five U.S. states without a lottery. Marsh said the bill directs the governor to negotiate a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians. It also allows gambling at several non-Native American sites. Lottery revenue would provide merit-based college scholarships while other gaming revenue would be used to expand high speed internet in the state.
“I see this as an opportunity to do these things without taxing the taxpayer,” Marsh said. The senator added he is trying to get agreement among the “major players” in the state after previous bills failed amid a turf war over who would run casinos. If approved by lawmakers, the proposal would go before voters.
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press.
