After discussing the issue during two lengthy workshops, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee is scheduled Jan. 9 to consider a controversial bill that would allow up to three resort casinos in Florida. Committee Chairman Dennis Jones, R-Seminole, said during a workshop early this month that he expected to bring up the bill (SB 710) for a vote in January. It is not clear, however, what will be in the bill when it goes before the committee. Sponsor Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, said she planned to make changes after hearing comments from committee members about issues such as tax rates and the treatment of pari-mutuel facilities. No amendments had been filed on the Senate website Friday. The House version of the bill (HB 487) has not been scheduled for a hearing.
Via The News Service of Florida.