2024 Legislative session may end without passage of gambling bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WBMA) — Alabama legislators are in the final hours of the 2024 legislative session and the Senate continues to be the holdout on passing legislation authorizing a public vote on a constitutional amendment to approve a state lottery.

The bills have been stalled since April 30th when a motion to concur with the conference committee report for House Bill 151, a constitutional amendment, was made by Senator Greg Albritton, R-Atmore.

The bill needed 21 votes to pass, three-fifths of the chamber. The vote was 20 in favor and 15 against.

Governor Kay Ivey was asked about the ongoing delay and whether or not she would consider calling a special session if the bills die in the special session. Ivey said she would not adding; “I’m disappointed. I wanted the people to have a chance to vote on the issue. They deserve to vote themselves.”

The Governor added that if the day ends without the Senate taking action she doesn’t see a point in calling a special session since lawmakers couldn’t come to an agreement during the session.