Alabama Lottery Bill Moves Forward

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Lottery legislation has cleared its first hurdle in the Alabama Legislature.

The House Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Wednesday approved a lottery bill after a brief public hearing.

Bill sponsor, Rep. Alan Harper, said people in the state constantly tell him they want a lottery.  Alabama is one of only six states without a state lottery.

The bill would put the idea of creating a state lottery before state voters in November.  Legislators would decide the details later including how the proceeds would be used.

A Senate committee held a public hearing but did not vote on an identical bill.

Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he thought many lawmakers will want revisions to the bill before voting.

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