Bill Proposed for Alabama Lottery

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Lottery legislation is getting its first debate in the Alabama Legislature.

The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Wednesday will hold a public hearing on a proposal to create a state lottery. The bill by Republican Rep. Alan Harper would put the idea before voters in November.

Under Harper’s bill, most of the details, including how the proceeds would be used, would be decided later.

The hearing is expected to spark passionate testimony from both gambling opponents and those who argue its past time to consider gambling as a revenue source. Some opponents of Harper’s bill have criticized the lack of specifics.

Alabama is one of six states without a state lottery.

State voters in 1999 rejected a lottery proposed by then-Gov. Don Siegelman.

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