Longtime “destination resort facility” supporters Rep. Ron Stephens (R-164 Savannah) and Sen. Brandon Beach (R-21 Alpharetta) introduced measures that would allow for limited operations of casino resorts in Georgia.
Stephens’ House Resolution 327 made its first official appearance in the House on Monday and was referred to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee. Beach’s Senate Resolution 184 was read and referred to the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. The two resolutions contain the same language.
Stephens happens to be the chair of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee so the resolution may go in with a bit of an advantage at the start. There are more than 30 members on the committee but a backing by the chair could carry heavy weight. Stephens’ resolution contains two main parts. First, that the General Assembly would define what a “licensed destination resort facility” is and the authorization and regulation of these casino resorts. Second, that state revenue drawn from casino taxes would be dedicated to a separate budget category called ‘Casino Gaming Proceeds’ and that the revenue in this category would be dedicated to education programs and purposes. It would also pay for the operational expenses of the industry, “which may include the expenses of programs for the prevention and treatment of compulsive and addictive gambling.”
The resolution language regarding education directs all the revenue to college-related programs. “The educational programs and educational purposes for which proceeds may be so appropriated shall include only tuition grants, scholarships, or loans to citizens of this state to enable such citizens to attend colleges and universities located within this state, regardless of whether such colleges and universities are operated by the board of regents, or to attend institutions operated under the authority of the Technical College System of Georgia.”
Both measures are resolutions because a constitutional referendum would be required to allow casino gaming. The wording of the question is strategic so as to directly connect possible gaming to college access. “Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to preserve the long-term financial stability of the HOPE scholarship program and to support other scholarship programs through net tax and licensing revenues generated by permitting the establishment of licensed destination resort facilities where casino gaming is permitted?” Who could say no?
Sen. Bruce Thompson (R-14 White) apparently could. Thompson spoke out against the measures on Tuesday and connected possible passage to two of the biggest issues for the legislature, warning about the impact of casinos on human trafficking and a possible negative impact for Georgia business rankings.
For his part, Governor Kemp’s office issued a statement Tuesday saying he ““remains opposed to casino gambling but hardworking Georgians will have the ultimate say if a constitutional amendment is placed on the ballot.” With Kemp okay with a potential referendum, it could give some momentum to possible passage but his strong opposition to gambling could empower opponents to take a stand and kill the measures before they get there.
