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FRANKFORT, Ky. A Senate committee Wednesday approved Senate President David Williams proposed constitutional amendment to specify that gambling can be expanded only by amending the constitution.
But Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley, D-Richmond, said the bill doesnt stand a chance in the full Senate, where 23 votes will be required for passage. Republicans control 21 seats, including one independent.
The measure, Senate Bill 2, passed the Senate Committee on State and Local Government on a party line vote Wednesday, and Williams said the full Senate would vote on it Thursday.
Williams amendment would undercut Democratic proposals to allow slot machines at race tracks in an effort to help generate state revenue and boost the states struggling horse industry.
Attorney General Jack Conway has ruled that, despite constitutional language limiting gambling in Kentucky, the legislature could pass a bill that would allow slot machines at the tracks.
Gov. Steve Beshear has said he wants the revenue to help plug a $1.4 billion hole in the budget, while House Speaker Greg Stumbo filed a bill that would use the gaming revenues largely to replace old and decaying schools.
Williams told the committee that his amendment is needed because it would let the people decide what type of expanded gambling might be allowed.
It would prohibit, without a constitutional amendment, any laws allowing a new type of gambling not currently permissible and in use in the state.
A requirement for a constitutional amendment would make it much more difficult to expand gambling. An amendment must be approved by a three-fifths majority in each house of the legislature, and then by the voters in a referendum. A bill to allow slot machines at race tracks would need only a majority vote in the House and Senate and the signature of the governor to become law.
Worley said he didnt expect any Democrats to vote for Williams amendment, despite the fact that two have said they would oppose Beshears and Stumbos efforts to allow slot machines at race tracks.
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