Lottery Bill Heads to Hearing in House Committee

Lottery legislation is getting a public hearing in the Alabama House of Representatives.

The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee will hold a public hearing Tuesday afternoon on the proposal to establish a state lottery.

State senators approved the lottery bill Friday on a narrow 21-12 vote.

Sen. Jim McClendon, the bill’s sponsor, said he hopes the committee will quickly approve the bill.

Lawmakers must give final approval to the legislation on Wednesday to put the lottery on the Nov. 8 ballot.

It will take 63 votes in the 105-seat House to approve the proposed change to the Alabama Constitution to allow gambling. A majority of voters must also approve the measure in a referendum.

Alabama is one of six states without a lottery.

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