Alabama Senate Narrowly Approves Bentley’s Lottery Bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Lottery legislation heads to the House of Representatives as lawmakers weigh ending Alabama’s status as one of six states without a state lottery.

The bill backed by Gov. Robert Bentley would put the idea of creating a state lottery to the first public vote since 1999. The Alabama Senate narrowly approved the bill Friday after a number of amendments.

The Senate vote was a victory for Bentley, but the bill faces a number of hurdles.

The House tourism committee could hear the bill Tuesday.

The lottery bill is the centerpiece of a special session called by Bentley on Medicaid funding. Lawmakers are also considering a division of oil spill settlement funds that could provide a $70 million boost to Medicaid next year.