Jim Rosica
Tom Lee, chairman of the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, on Tuesday said the chamber’s gambling bills wouldn’t be heard at the panel’s meeting.
Lee, a Brandon Republican, made the announcement as the meeting was about to begin, but didn’t get into details.
With committees generally unable to meet after Tuesday, the 50th day of the Legislative Session, the Senate’s gambling legislation and the proposed Seminole Compact appear dead for 2016.
Lee did say it was up to state Sen. Rob Bradley, the Fleming Island Republican who chairs the Regulated Industries Committee, to “revive” it.
The House has sent to the floor its rewrite of the Compact and dozens of changes to the state gambling law. Those changes would expand gambling opportunities for Floridians throughout the state, including card games and slot machines.
