Comprehensive Gambling Legislation Fast-Tracked in House

Members of the House Gaming Study Group spoke about future gambling plans in Alabama during a press conference Wednesday, Feb. 7. Photo by Craig Monger.

Alabama lawmakers got their first look at highly speculated, comprehensive gaming bills introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday. 

The bills will be debated in public committee hearings next week with a full vote in the House expected Thursday, Feb. 15. 

Alabama Farmers Federation External Affairs Director Brian Hardin said the Federation team has been diligently analyzing the almost 150 pages of legislation since its release. 

“This bill goes far beyond regulating gambling and creating a statewide lottery,” Hardin said. “This would allow at least 10 Vegas-style casinos to operate in Alabama; sports betting would be available on any smartphone; and a lottery would be established. While the Alabama Farmers Federation’s opposition to legalized gambling in any form is rooted in our values, this legislation should raise concerns for anyone in the state.”

The enabling legislation would create a powerful Alabama Gaming Commission with little oversight and few checks and balances. It also would establish a brand-new law enforcement arm, the Gaming Enforcement Division, independent of the Attorney General and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). An additional bureaucratic arm would be established in the Alabama Lottery Corporation. 

The bills would reserve licenses for casinos in Greene, Houston, Jefferson, Lowndes, Macon and Mobile counties. A compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians would reserve one license for an additional casino in either DeKalb County or Jackson County.  

Federation Director of Agricultural Legislation Preston Roberts said some concerns have arisen during review of the legislation. 

“We’re concerned regarding the potential opportunities for corruption, conflicts of interest, lack of judicial oversight and protections for Alabamians, including children,” Roberts said. “There's also very little funding set aside to address gambling addiction.”

Federation Director of Legislative Programs Russ Durrance echoed Roberts concerns. 

HB 151, the constitutional amendment, and HB 152, the enabling legislation, are sponsored by Rep. Chris Blackshear, R-Phenix City, and Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Ardmore. HB 151 will require a three-fifths majority vote in the House. If both bills pass the House, they will go to the Senate for consideration.

Federation policy opposes all forms of gambling. 

Federation members are encouraged to contact their legislators and express their concerns and opposition to this legislation at the Voter Voice link below.

Members are also encouraged to watch the "60 Minutes" special linked below to learn more about the risks of gambling.

Federation External Affairs Director Affirms Organization's Stance on Gambling

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin sat down with Todd Stacy of "Capitol Journal" today to discuss the Federation's opposition to gambling. The interview will air on Alabama Public Television tonight, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 11 at noon. Episodes can also be viewed at aptv.org, or the link below.

Ivey Presents Legislative Priorities in State Address

Gov. Kay Ivey laid out her legislative priorities for the 2024 Regular Session during her annual state of the state address Tuesday night. 

“Ladies and gentlemen, the state of our state is strong,” Ivey said. “Together, we are prepared for the Alabama of tomorrow.”

Ivey covered a host of topics including:

• Election integrity 
• Gambling 
• Human trafficking
• Safe communities
• Corrections
• Unemployment
• Labor force participation 
• Healthcare
• Infrastructure 
• School Choice 

For more information, the address can be read at the link below.

Longtime Federation Member Honored by Legislature

Colbert County Farmers Federation (CCFF) member Hollis Isbell was commended by both houses of the Legislature on Tuesday. 

HJR 6 by Rep. Jamie Kiel, R-Russellville, honored Isbell for his years of service to agriculture in the state and his induction to the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor. 

Isbell, a third-generation row crop farmer, was praised for his leadership and dedication to improving farmers' lives across Alabama. Isbell served on the CCFF board of directors, as chairman of the State Cotton Committee as president of the Southern Cotton Growers. He was also complimented for his leadership in Alabama’s boll weevil eradication program. 

Federation External Affairs Department Director and Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club President Brian Hardin said Isbell was more than deserving of the honor. 

“Mr. Isbell is a testament to Alabama farmers,” Hardin said. “We’re thankful to Rep. Kiel for his recognition of Mr. Isbell and the work he has done.”



Isbell will formally be inducted at the annual Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor banquet Tuesday, Feb. 13. 

Governor Makes Budget Recommendations

Gov. Kay Ivey submitted her recommendations for the General Fund (GF) and Education Trust Fund (ETF) budgets to the Legislature Wednesday. 

SB 67 by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, and HB 145 by Rep. Danny Garret, R-Trussville, represent the governor’s desire for how the government would be funded during Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. 

The governor’s recommendations either add more funding or maintain funding levels for Federation priorities including: 

General Fund Recommendations – SB 67:

·      Sweet Grown Alabama - $300,000

·      North Alabama Agriplex - $100,000

·      Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) - $575,000

·      Forest Products Economic Specialist - $200,000

Education Trust Fund Recommendations – HB 145:

·      FFA Affiliate Membership - $275,000

·      National Livestock Competition Coordinator - $250,000

Ag Fencing Sales Tax Exemption Bill Introduced in Senate

Sen. Jack Williams, R-Wilmer, introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at exempting the sale of fencing materials used in agricultural livestock operations from the state sales tax. 

SB 73 includes materials such as t-posts, wood posts, barbed wire, net wire, smooth wire, standard metal gates and other like materials used for the purpose of fencing in livestock. 

Federation Director of Agricultural Legislation Preston Roberts hailed the bill, which will promote proper livestock handling and protection for farmers while giving an added benefit for hard work.

The bill is currently waiting on action in the Senate Finance and Taxation Education committee.

The Legislature will reconvene on Tuesday, February 13, for day 4 of a possible 30 days. 

The House will convene at 1 p.m. while the Senate will convene at 9 a.m.

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Questions?

 Brian Hardin - Director, External Affairs Department

 Preston Roberts - Director, Agricultural Legislation

Russ Durrance - Director, State Legislative Programs

John Allen Nichols - Agriculture Counsel

Beth Chapman - Beth Chapman and Associates, LLC