>> DON: GOOD EVENING.

FROM OUR STATEHOUSE STUDIO IN MONTGOMERY, I'M DON DAILEY.

THANKS FOR JOINING US.

TOPPING OUR BROADCAST TONIGHT, A LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TODAY MADE QUICK WORK OF APPROVING A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LOTTERY AND GAMING BILL.

THE SENATE TOURISM COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT IS SPONSORED BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIR, SENATOR DEL MARSH OF ANNISTON.

IT WOULD AUTHORIZE A LOTTERY AND FIVE NEW CASINOS IN THE STATE.

THE LOTTERY WOULD FUND EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS, AND SENATOR MARSH SAID THEY WOULD BE TARGETED.

>> NOT ONLY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE COMING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL, BUT IN THESE COVID TIMES AND TECHNOLOGY TIMES THAT WE'RE IN, THERE'S A REAL CHANCE OF BEING DISPLACED FOR JOBS AND HAVING TO RETRAIN.

WE WANT SOMETHING AVAILABLE TO OUR CITIZENS TO ADDRESS THAT NEED.

AND THESE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE HEAVILY WEIGHED TOWARD THIS, WHAT I MENTIONED, NOT JUST YOUNG PEOPLE COMING OUT OF SCHOOL BUT ANY YOUNG ADULT OR ADULT THAT HAS A CAREER CHANGE.

>> DON: THE CASINOS PROPOSED UNDER MARSH'S GAMBLING BILL WOULD PAY LICENSE FEES AND A 20-PERCENT TAX ON REVENUES.

THAT MONEY WOULD FUND BROADBAND EXPANSION IN THE STATE, RURAL HEALTH CARE, MENTAL HEALTH AND WOULD HELP SUPPORT THE GENERAL FUND BUDGET.

WITH TODAY'S COMMITTEE APPROVAL, THE GAMBLING EXPANSION BILL IS SET TO GO THE SENATE FLOOR TOMORROW, BUT A VOTE ISN'T EXPECTED UNTIL LATER.

ALL OF THE CASINOS PROPOSED UNDER SENATOR MARSH'S SWEEPING GAMBLING LEGISLATION WOULD OFFER SPORTS BETTING.

FOUR OF THE CASINOS WOULD BE LOCATED AT THE STATE'S GREYHOUND TRACKS.

THE FIFTH WOULD BE A NEW FACILITY THAT WOULD BE BUILT BY THE POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS IN NORTHEAST ALABAMA; AND IF VOTERS ULTIMATELY APPROVE, THE LEGISLATION WOULD MANDATE THAT THE STATE ENTER INTO A COMPACT WITH THE TRIBE THAT WOULD ALLOW IT TO OFFER A FULL RANGE OF CASINO GAMES AT ITS FACILITIES.

TRIBE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ADVISOR ROBBIE MCGHEE SAYS DESPITE SOME CONCERNS, HE'S HAPPY THAT THE GAMING ISSUE IS TAKING PROMINENCE.

>> I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT I AM IMPRESSED WHAT YOU GUYS HAVE PUT TOGETHER.

LEGISLATION THAT I'VE BEEN WORKING ON FOR 20 YEARS.

THINK I HAVE DEALT WITH THIS AT LEAST 18 YEARS, GAMING IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

TO KNOW NOW THAT THIS COMPREHENSIVE BILL, REGARDING A LOTTERY, REGARDING THE TRIBE AND THE COMPACT, REGARDING THE CURRENT OPERATORS AT THE TRACK.

AND HOPEFULLY THIS IS SOMETHING THAT AFFORDS THE PEOPLE AND I THINK IT DOES.

>> DON: MCGHEE WILL JOIN US ON THE BROADCAST SHORTLY TO TALK MORE ABOUT THE GAMBLING ISSUE.

THE BILL WOULD ALSO SET UP A GAMING COMMISSION THAT WOULD REGULATE ALL FORMS OF GAMBLING IN THE STATE, INCLUDING EXISTING CHARITABLE BINGO.

ELECTRONIC BINGO WOULD ONLY BE PERMITTED AT THE POARCH CREEK CASINOS, WHICH ARE ALLOWED TO OFFER IT UNDER FEDERAL AUTHORITY.

THE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE TODAY APPROVED A CONTROVERSIAL BILL THAT WOULD MAKE IT A FELONY FOR DOCTORS IN THE STATE TO TREAT TRANSGENDER YOUTH WITH HORMONAL THERAPY, PUBERTY BLOCKERS AND TRANSITION SURGERY.

THE LEGISLATION IS SPONSORED IN THE UPPER CHAMBER BY SENATOR SHAY SHELNUTT OF TRUSSVILLE.

>> CHILDREN ARE NOT OF AGE NOR OF MENTAL CAPACITY TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT ARE BEING MADE FOR THEM.

QUITE FRANKLY, RIGHT NOW, AND SINCE I FILED THE BILL LAST YEAR, CURRENTLY, THERE ARE PATIENTS BEING REFERRED TO THIS, GETTING THESE HORMONES THAT ARE AFFECTING THEM.

AND OPTOMETRISTS ARE HAVING TO DO PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR OPTOMETRISTS BECAUSE THE KIDS THAT ARE RECEIVING THESE HORMONES ARE BEING EFFECTED.

>> DON: ADVOCACY GROUPS HAVE SPOKEN OUT AGAINST SENATOR SHELNUTT'S BILL, INCLUDING THE CHILDREN FIRST FOUNDATION.

BREWTON PEDIATRICIAN DR. MARSHA RAULERSON SPOKE FOR THE GROUP AT TODAY'S COMMITTEE HEARING.

>> BECAUSE I BELIEVE THAT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN A PHYSICIAN AND HIS PATIENT IS A SACRED TRUST.

I MYSELF HAVE A PERSONAL PHYSICIAN AND I SEE HIM.

I KNOW YOUR DOCTOR WILL GIVE YOU THE BEST ADVICE, AND KEEP IT CONFIDENTIAL REFERRING ME TO ANOTHER PROVIDER IF NEEDED.

>> DON: TODAY'S COMMITTEE APPROVAL SENDS THE TRANSGENDER YOUTH BILL TO THE SENATE FLOOR.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TODAY PASSED WHAT'S KNOWN AS ANIAH'S LAW.

IT'S LEGISLATION SPONSORED BY REPRESENTATIVE CHIP BROWN OF HOLLINGER'S ISLAND, AND IT WOULD GIVE JUDGES MORE DISCRETION IN DENYING BAIL TO THOSE CHARGED WITH SOME OF THE MOST SERIOUS CRIMES.

BROWN RECENTLY SPOKE WITH CAPITOL JOURNAL ABOUT IT.

>> IT'S COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL BOND REFORM, WHICH MEANS THAT IN ALABAMA, THE ONLY TIME YOU CAN TECHNICALLY HELD WITHOUT BOND IS IF YOU ARE CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER.

AND THIS GIVES DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S THE OPPORTUNITY THAT AN INDIVIDUAL HELD WITHOUT BOND IF THEY ARE CHARGED WITH A CLASS A FELONY, SAY, KIDNAPPING, VIOLENT DOMESTIC ASSAULT, THOSE TYPE OF CRIMES AGAINST AN INDIVIDUAL, VIOLENT CRIME.

>> DON: ANIAH'S LAW IS NAMED FOR ALABAMA COLLEGE STUDENT ANIAH BLANCHARD, WHO WAS MURDERED LAST YEAR.

THE MAN CHARGED IN HER KILLING WAS OUT ON BOND AFTER BEING ACCUSED IN SEVERAL OTHER CRIMES.

TODAY'S COMMITTEE APPROVAL SENDS THE BILL TO THE HOUSE FLOOR.

THE HOUSE JUDICIARY TODAY DISCUSSED, BUT ULTIMATELY CARRIED OVER CLOSELY-WATCHED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD AMEND THE STATE'S MEMORIAL PRESERVATION ACT.

REPRESENTATIVE JUANDALYNN GIVAN OF BIRMINGHAM RECENTLY SPOKE WITH CAPITOL JOURNAL ABOUT WHAT CITIES AND TOWNS HAVE REQUESTED UNDER HER LEGISLATION.

>> WE WANT A PROCESS IN PLACE THAT WE WILL NOT BE PENALIZED, NOT BE FINED $25,000 IF WE COVER UP, REMOVE, IF IT'S DESTROYED IN ANY KIND OF WAY OR ANY TYPE OF MANNER.

WE, AS A GOVERNING BODY, WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIMPLY SEND THE MONUMENTS BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHIVES OR THE HISTORIC COMMISSION HERE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> DON: GIVAN'S MONUMENTS LAW REVAMP WILL COME BACK BEFORE THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE BREAK.

WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NEXT UP ON THE BROADCAST, SENATOR TOMORROW WHATLEY IS BACK IN THE STUDIO.

NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK AND ALWAYS NICE TO SEE YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP ROLE, CHAIR OF THE JUDICIAL SENATE COMMITTEE.

NO SMALL RESPONSIBILITY.

YOU READY FOR THE CHALLENGE.

>> YEAH, TAKING OVER FOR THE ONE THAT'S BEEN OVER THE BOARD OF PARDONS AND PATROLS, GREAT THINGS FOR CAM, TAUGHT ME HOW TO RUN THE COMMITTEE AND HOW TO MANAGE THE AGENDA.

I HAVE A GREAT EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, KIM, AND I WORK WITH THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE AND MAKE SURE WE HAVE A GREAT AGENDA GOING FORWARD.

TWO MEETINGS AND MOVED A LOT OF LEGISLATION FOR IT TO BE ON THE FLOOR.

>> SENATE JUDICIARY, JUST LIKE YOUR COUNTERPART IN THE HOUSE HANDLES HEAVYWEIGHT ISSUES.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

>> YEAH, WE HAVE A LOT OF GOOD DEBATE AND THOUGHT PROCESSES.

WE HAVE A LOT OF DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES ON THE COMMITTEE, PEOPLE WHO HAVE PRACTICED LAW PROFESSIONALLY.

SENATORIAL ALBRITTON, GIVAN, SENATOR SINGLETON, MYSELF, SENATOR SMITHERMAN, SENATOR ORR AND THERE'S JUST DIFFERENT PEOPLE, SENATOR FIGURES FROM MOBILE IS COMING IN THERE.

AND THIS BRINGS A PERSPECTIVE TO IT FOR EDUCATION.

SO, IT'S GREAT MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE EXCEPT GREAT THINGS ABOUT THEM.

SENATOR DEL MARSH WAS KIND TO BE ON THE COMMITTEE FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS FOR THE QUADRENNIUM AND HE LENDS A LOT OF EXPERTISE TO THE COMMITTEE.

>> WELL, RECENTLY, THEY APPROVED LEGISLATION THAT YOU ARE SPONSORING IN THE SESSION WHICH DEALS WITH THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORITY TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY AMONG OTHER THINGS.

WHAT YOU ARE SEEKING TO DO HERE IS HAVE MORE LEGISLATIVE INPUT IN THAT DECISION-MAKING PROCESS.

TELL US YOUR CONCERN IN BRINGING THE LEGISLATION.

>> THIS IS A SIMPLE BILL TO BRING BACK CHECKS AND BALANCES TO THE PEOPLE.

AND THE GOVERNOR CAN SIGN IT OR NOT SIGN IT.

AND IF THE GOVERNOR DECIDES TO SIGN IT, THEN THE EMERGENCY ORDER IS TO BE RATIFIED BY THE LEGISLATURE IN 14 DAYS.

IF THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT IN SESSION, IT CAN BE RATIFIED BY JOINT RESOLUTION BY BOTH SIGNING OF THE PRO TEM AND SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.

SO, PRETTY SIMPLE PROCESS THERE.

AND AT LEAST CONSTITUENTS WHO MAY HAVE AN ISSUE FOR OR AGAINST EMERGENCY ORDER HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL THE HOUSE MEMBER OR SENATOR, GOVERNOR, YES OR NO, I WANT TO SEE THIS.

BUT I LIKE THIS, AND NOT ALL OF IT.

THEY CAN TELL THE HOUSE MEMBER AND THE RATIFICATION COMES UP IN 14 DAYS, THEN POSSIBLY, THAT CHANGE COULD BE MADE.

JUST SO THE PEOPLE HAVE AN INPUT.

NOT TAKING ANYTHING AWAY FROM THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER.

DOING A FINE JOB.

AND I WILL SAY THAT THEY ARE NOT OPPOSING THE BILL.

>> Don: THE PANDEMIC OPENED UP A LOT OF CANS OF WORMS, IF YOU WILL, WHERE THESE ORDERS ARE CONCERNED.

WE'RE IN A SITUATION AND PROBABLY HOPEFULLY ONLY EVERY HUNDRED YEARS OR SO BUT ITS BEEN BROUGHT TO LIFE, AUTHORITY, WHERE THE GOVERNOR IS CONCERNED, A AND B, THE AUTHORITY OF THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER IN DECLARING HEALTH EMERGENCIES.

AND IN SAYING THAT YOU THINK THIS LEGISLATION IS NECESSARY, THINK IT'S KEY TO THE CONVERSATION THAT YOU BROUGHT OUT, IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL AGAINST GOVERNOR IVEY, OR ANY GOVERNOR FOR THAT MATTER, OR DOCTOR HARRIS OR ANY OTHER STATE HEALTH OFFICER.

>> RIGHT.

THIS GIVES GOVERNOR IVEY, OR WHOMEVER IS THE GOVERNOR BACK SOME AUTHORITY WHERE THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO DISPROVE OR APPROVE THE HEALTH ORDER.

IT'S JUST SOMETHING THAT IS NEUTRAL TO ANY PERSONALITY OR PERSON IN OFFICE AT THE TIME.

AND JUST A BILL THAT WOULD RETURN POWER BACK TO THE PEOPLE OF ALABAMA GIVING THEM INPUT INTO WHAT'S GOING ON.

AND GIVING THE GOVERNOR INPUT AS TO HOW OR HE OR SHE DEALS WITH THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER IN THE CASE OF EMERGENCY.

I WILL SAY THERE'S AN OUT, IF YOU WOULD SAY THAT, IN THE BILL THAT THE GOVERNOR CAN DECLARE THE EMERGENCY AND DOES NOT HAVE TO GIVE THE LEGISLATURE NOTICE 48 HOUR NOTICE IF LIFE AND OR LIMB IS IN DANGER.

AND I SAY, EXAMPLE OF THAT, CONTRA FLOW TRAFFIC FROM THE GULF, HURRICANE COMING IN.

SO, THE GOVERNOR MAKES DECISION, WE HAVE A STATE OF EMERGENCY, GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE GULF PART OF THE STATE, TURNING THE INTERSTATES GOING BOTH WAYS, NORTH.

AND THIS GIVES THE GOVERNOR THE AUTHORITY TO DO IT AND THEN NOTIFY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE EMERGENCY.

>> WHERE THE GOVERNOR'S EMERGENCY ORDERS ARE CONCERNED, CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, ONE OF THE STIPULATION SINCERE THAT THE EMERGENCY ORDERS WOULD TYPICALLY BE REDUCED TO 14 DAYS INSTEAD OF THE CURRENT 60 DAYS?

>> RIGHT.

AND THAT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT I'M FIRM ON THE 14 DAYS.

WE PUT THAT IN THERE AS A BENCHMARK NUMBER.

WE CAN DISCUSS THAT ON THE FLOOR AS THE LEGISLATION MOVES FORWARD.

ANYBODY THAT WANTS INPUT INTO IT CAN CERTAINLY GIVE INPUT AS TO WHAT NUMBER OF DAY IF THAT'S A PARTICULAR THING THEY ARE INTERESTED IN.

>> AND WHERE THE LEGISLATIVE INPUT IS CONCERNED, IT'S ONE THING IF IT'S IN SESSION AND CAN ADDRESS THIS WHEN IT COMES ABOUT.

IF IT'S NOT IN SESSION, THERE WERE CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT THIS.

AND YOU PUT INTO THE BILL, THE SPEAKER AND THE PRO TEM CAN MAKE THE DECISION IF THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT IN SESSION.

>> RIGHT.

IF THE LEGISLATURE IS NOT IN SESSION AND THE STATE OF EMERGENCY IS DECLARED, THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE AND THE GOVERNOR CAN MAKE AND DECLARE IT, 14 DAYS, WHATEVER AMOUNT THEY COME UP WITH, 21 OR 30 DAYS.

BUT THE MEANING FOR THAT, SPEAKER AND PRO TEM ARE BOTH ELECTED BY THE RESPECTIVE BODIES OF THE LEGISLATURE.

SO, THEY ARE GOING TO BE, ELICIT INPUT FROM THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE BEFORE THEY MAKE A DECISION.

SO, I FEEL VERY COMFORTABLE WITH THAT.

>> AND ON THE PART OF THE BILL THAT SAYS THAT THE GOVERNOR MUST APPROVE ANY HEALTH EMERGENCY THAT'S DECLARED BY THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER.

I KNOW IT'S RACHETING THINGS UP JUST A BIT.

BUT WHEN YOU LOOK AT THINGS, THE STATE HEALTH OFFICER, DOCTOR SCOTT HARRIS, SEEMS TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY WITH THE GOVERNOR.

>> THINK THAT'S ABSOLUTELY THE CASE.

ABSOLUTELY.

THIS IS JUST MAKING SURE THAT THE GOVERNOR HAS SOME INPUT INTO WHAT'S GOING ON.

AND THE GOVERNOR, RIGHT NOW, I THINK, I HAVE A FEELING THAT THE GOVERNOR AND DOCTOR HARRIS ARE WORKING TOGETHER AND MAKE DECISIONS.

THAT'S HOW I LOOK AT IT FROM THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN.

>> WHAT DO YOU HEAR FROM COLLEAGUES AS YOU PUSH THE LEGISLATION.

>> FIRST, I WANT TO THANK THE' DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, CAROLINE, WHO WORKS WITH THIS AND SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THE BILL.

I DON'T THINK THEY TAKE POSITIONS ON BILLS, BEING A DEPARTMENT.

I HOPE THAT WHEN THE PUBLIC MOVES THE LEGISLATURE AND MOVES TO THE GOVERNOR'S DESK, WE'RE HAPPY TO DISCUSS IT WITH ANYBODY, ANY TYPE AGENCY OR THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ANY TIME.

AND I THINK THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, THEY LOOK AT THIS WHEN THEY COME TO THE OFFICE AND I CERTAINLY RESPECT THAT.

AND I LOOK FORWARD TO HOPEFULLY GETTING ON THE SPECIAL CALENDAR AND MOVING IT THROUGH THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

I THINK THE HOUSE SPONSOR HAS INTRODUCED THE BILL WELL.

>> AND BRIEFLY BEFORE WE END THIS, HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO THE GOVERNOR ABOUT IT?

>> I SPOKE WITH THE GOVERNOR'S LEGISLATIVE TEAM.

I KNOW THEIR POSITION IS, THEY LOOK AT ALL BILLS WHEN THEY COME ACROSS THE DESK.

>> SENATOR TOM WHATLEY, FROM AUBURN, ALWAYS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU ON THE SHOW.

>> THANKS, APPRECIATE BEING HERE.

>> AND "CAPITOL JOURNAL" WILL BE RIGHT BACK.

>> NOW, NEXT UP, ROBBIE MCGHEE, NICE TO SEE YOU IN THE STUDIO.

>> THANKS.

NICE TO BE BACK.

>> AND YOU WERE IN THE STATE HOUSE TODAY BECAUSE OF THE NEW GAMING AND LOTTERY BILL AND SAW ITS PASSAGE IN THE TOURISM COMMITTEE BILL.

THIS IS DEALING NOT ONLY WITH LOTTERY AND CASINOS, BUT SPORTS BETTING.

IT HAS BAKED INTO IT, A COMPACT WITH THE TRIBE IF VOTERS ULTIMATELY APPROVE THE LEGISLATION.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> WELL, I THINK IT'S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING.

I THINK IT'S A GOOD THING THAT SENATOR MARSH HAS TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY, I POINTED OUT IN THE HEARING TODAY, THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 15 YEARS PLUS.

AND WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE HIM WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR AND HAVING THE COMMISSION WITH GAMING AND SUCH, THINK THE IDEAS THAT WERE FROM THAT COMMISSION, THE STUDY, WHERE PART OF THIS LEGISLATION, CONTAINING THE LOTTERY, WHAT MANY PEOPLE WANT IN HAVING THE EDUCATION LOTTERY IS A GREAT THING.

THE IDEA OF JUST HAVING A REGULATORY BODY IN PLACE, THINK IT'S SOMETHING THAT THE POARCH CREEK INDIANS WANT IT.

AND WE FEEL THAT'S WHAT'S NECESSARY TO CONTROL GAMING WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

THE LIMITED NUMBER OF SITES, I BELIEVE, IS ALSO ONE OF THOSE THINGS, GOOD FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH ECONOMIC RETURN THAT YOU HAVE.

AND YOU DON'T WANT TO SATURATE A MARKET.

THE COMPACT IS SOMETHING THAT WE, THE COMMENTS AND THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE PAST, WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN WILLING TO SIT DOWN AND NEGOTIATE SOMETHING WITH THE GOVERNOR FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

I THINK THAT, YOU KNOW, WHEN YOU SAY ONCE THE PEOPLE APPROVE, THEN THEY SAID, CLASH THREE IS NOW LEGAL WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND YOU CAN NEGOTIATE THE COMPACT WITH THE TRIBE.

>> YEAH, I WANTED TO BE DRILLED DOWN A LITTLE BIT FOR WHAT THE COMPACT MEANS WITH THE TRIBE.

AMONG OTHER THINGS, IF THEY APPROVE THE CLASS THREE GAMING OF THIS, THAT ALLOWS THE TRIBE IN EXISTING CASINOS TO HAVE TABLE GAMES AMONG OTHER THINGS.

>> RIGHT.

WITH THE PASSAGE OF THE CA, THEN CLASS THREE, TABLE GAMES BECOMES LEGAL WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND UNDER THE FEDERAL LAW, THE TRIBE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DO THAT.

BUT THEY HAVE TO DO THE NEGOTIATION OF GOING THROUGH THE PROCEDURE OF THE COMPACT WITH THE GOVERNOR.

IS THERE ANYTHING THAT WE CAN OFFER UP TO THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND THE WAY WE'RE ABLE TO DO THIS NOW WITHIN THE LEGISLATION IS BECAUSE OF THE NORTHEAST PROPERTY.

THE NORTHEAST PROPERTY IS WHAT THE CONSIDERATION THAT'S GOING TO BE GIVEN TO SAY, OKAY.

THE STATE OF ALABAMA OFFERED THE NORTHEAST PROPERTY SO NOW, THE POARCH BAND CREEK INDIANS CAN ENTER INTO IT AND GIVE A NEGOTIATED REVENUE FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, REVENUE FOR THE STATE OF ALABAMA OFF THE TRUST LAND.

>> RIGHT.

YOU DO HAVE EXISTING CASINOS AROUND THE STATE.

BUT WHEN YOU REFER TO THE NORTHEAST PROPERTY, YOU WANT TO BUILD A NEW CASINO IN THE HUNTSVILLE AREA.

>> WELL, THE LOCATION HASN'T BEEN EXACTLY DETERMINED.

THERE'S TWO COUNTIES THAT ARE UP FOR CONSIDERATION AND THAT'S GOING TO COME ABOUT WITH THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE GOVERNOR, AND DETERMINING WHAT'S THE BEST LOCATION.

WE DON'T KNOW THE PROCESS YET HOW THAT WILL HAPPEN.

BUT KEEP IN MIND, THIS PROPERTY WILL BE A COMMERCIAL PROPERTY.

IT WILL NOT BE ON TRUST LANDS NOR EXEMPT FROM ANY TYPE OF TAXES.

IT'S OUR UNDERSTANDING THAT IT'S JUST GOING TO FOLLOW THE SAME TAX RATE WITHIN THE LEGISLATION RECORDING THE OTHER EXISTING COVERED LOCATIONS.

>> AND I REMIND OUR VIEWERS ALSO, EXISTING CASINOS ARE ON TRIBAL TRUST LAND AND NOT SUBJECT TO THE TAX RIGHT NOW.

AND WHAT'S PROPOSED IN THE COMPACT, SHOULD VOTERS ULTIMATELY AGREE, THAT YOU SHARE WITH THE STATE SOME OF THE REFUSE FROM THESE FACILITIES.

>> RIGHT.

YOU WOULD DETERMINE, WHETHER OR NOT SHARED OFF THE CLASS 3 GAMING, OFF THE TABLE, THAT DEFINITION OF CLASS 3 IS WITHIN THE BILL AND YOU SHARE REVENUE OFF OF THAT.

HOWEVER, KEEP IN MIND, WHATEVER IS NEGOTIATED BETWEEN THE STATE AND THE TRIBE STILL HAS TO GO TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL TO SAY, OKAY.

THIS IS A NEGOTIATION, AN AGREEMENT THAT WE FEEL IS BENEFICIAL FOR BOTH PARTIES.

>> WELL, WITH THE NORTHEAST EXPANSION, WHERE THAT IS CONCERNED, I BELIEVE YOU AIRED CONCERNS IN COMMITTEE TODAY HOW THE LICENSING FOR THAT FACILITY MAY BE CARRIED OUT.

>> JUST BECAUSE OF THE WAY, OUR UNDERSTANDING TAKING A LOOK AT THE BILL, DOESN'T ACTUALLY DETERMINE WHAT'S THE LICENSE FEE OR THE TERMS OF THE LICENSE FEE FOR THE NORTHEAST PROPERTY.

SO, IT DOES LAY OUT A LICENSE FEE IN TERMS FOR THE OTHER LOCATIONS.

AND WE JUST FELT THAT, OKAY.

IT SHOULD BE EITHER THE SAME OR NOT TO EXCEED WHAT IS ALREADY WITHIN THE BILL.

SO, IF THAT'S GOING TO BE, I KNOW THERE WERE CHANGES AND THINGS LIKE THAT, SUGGESTIONS, IF IT'S GOING TO BE A HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS LICENSE FEE, THEY CAN'T SUCCEED THE HUNDRED MILLION OR BELOW THE 10 MILLION LICENSE FEE, CAN'T GO BELOW THAT.

SO, WE WANT TO BE SURE IT'S IN THE SAME PARAMETERS AS WHAT'S OFFERED TO THE OTHER OPERATIONS.

>> YOU THINK THAT CAN BE HASHED OUT IN THE LEGISLATIVE FUNCTION?

>> YEAH, I THINK SO.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT WE BELIEVE IS AN EASY THING THAT EVERYBODY SHOULD AGREE WITH.

IT'S, LIKE, WELL, THIS IS WHAT THE LEGISLATION, SAME OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO THE OTHER COVERED OPERATIONS BECAUSE IT'S A COMMERCIAL OPERATION JUST LIKE THE OTHER ONES.

>> DO YOU AGREE WITH THE SUPPORTERS OF THIS BILL THAT IT'S REALLY A WIN-WIN THING FOR THE TRIBE?

>> YEAH, I DO.

I FINALLY, IF YOU ARE CONTROLLING THIS, YOU ARE CONTROLLING THE MOM AND POPS, MAKING IT LEGAL, THE CONCERN BEFORE IS BEFORE WHEN IT WAS ILLEGAL, IT'S MISDEMEANOR BUT NOW IT'S A FELONY, REGULATORY BODY IN PLACE, REGULATING THIS.

AND I THINK THE LOTTERY GETS TO THE CONCERNS THAT MANY PEOPLE WANT EDUCATION LOTTERY FOR YEARS.

AND THIS DOES THAT.

IT PROVIDES, MANY PEOPLE WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE FUNDS.

ALSO, IT BRINGS INTO ACCOUNT, TOO, WHAT THE GOVERNOR WANTED TO DO AND THE LEGISLATIVE BODY REGARDING BROADBAND AND RURAL HOSPITAL MEDICAL ISSUES.

THESE ARE ISSUES WE EXPERIENCE WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND THINK OVER THE LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF COVID AND THINGS LIKE THIS, YOU JUST SEE HOW MUCH WE DEPEND ON BROADBAND.

HOW MUCH WE'RE DEPENDENT ON THE RURAL MEDICAL CENTERS AND SUCH AS HAS BEEN FACED.

AND THINK IT'S THE LEGISLATION THAT WE FACE AND SHOULD GET BEHIND THAT AND SUPPORT.

>> AND THERE'S BETTING COMPONENT TO THE SENATOR MARSH LEGISLATION.

DOES THAT IMPACT THE TRIBE?

>> NO, IT'S AND ADDED AMENITY IF THEY COME INTO THE FACILITY.

THEY COME IN, HEY, LET'S PLACE BETS.

I DON'T KNOW.

I CAN'T DARE TELL YOU WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT NOW.

WE'RE STILL LOOKING AT THE LEGISLATION AND DETERMINING HOW IT FITS AND SUCH.

WHEN IT COMES DOWN TO HAVING AN ECONOMIC IMPACT, NO.

NOT ON BRICK AND MORTAR BUILD, IT'S JUST WHAT THE CUSTOMERS WANT WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

>> AND WITH THE SENATE TOURISM COMMITTEE APPROVAL, HE EXPECTS TO HAVE THE BILL ON THE FLOOR TOMORROW BUT ONLY FOR DISCUSSION.

SENATOR MARSH INTENDS TO CARRY IT OVER UNTIL AFTER THE LEGISLATIVE BREAK.

SO SO FAR, ARE YOU OPTIMISTIC WITH WHAT YOU HAVE SEEN HERE?

>> I ALWAYS TRY TO BE OPTIMISTIC.

I THINK IT'S ONE OF THOSE THINGS, IF YOU GO INTO SOMETHING FEELING THAT WAY, YOU DO YOUR BEST AND TRY YOUR BEST TO NEGOTIATE AND COME TO AN AGREEMENT THAT EVERYBODY CAN AGREE WITH.

I THINK THAT IT'S GOING TO BE, YOU KNOW, MAYBE WITHIN THE HOUSE, IT'S GOING TO BE A LOT OF WORK AND SUCH.

LIKE I SAID BEFORE, THIS DOES LIMIT GAMING WITHIN THE STATE OF ALABAMA.

AND YOU DO HAVE OTHER, MY CONCERN, FROM OTHER PEOPLE OPERATING UNDER SOME TYPE OF BINGO AMENDMENT.

AND WHAT IT IS.

AND YOU KNOW, IF THEY ARE OPERATING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE LAW, I'M NOT SURE.

HOWEVER, IT'S JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS, I HOPE THAT PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND CONTAINING THE SITES AND CREATING THESE TYPE OF DESTINATION REPORTS ONLY INCREASES THE AMOUNT FOR THE JOB AND EVERYBODY, ESPECIALLY THE REVENUE COMING BACK INTO THE STATE.

AND FOR YEARS, THAT REVENUE IS NOT COMING BACK TO THE STATE AND NOW IS THE TIME.

>> THAT LOCAL BINGO ASPECT HAS BEEN A STICKING POINT IN THE PAST AND COULD VERY WELL BE AGAIN?

>> I AGREE WITH YOU.

I THINK THE GOOD THING OF WHAT THE BILL DOES, IT DOES NOT ELIMINATE CHARITABLE BINGO.

THAT'S THE DIFFERENCE WITH SOME OF THE ENTITIES THAT ARE OPERATING.

ARE THEY PAPER CARD TRADITIONAL BINGO OR STEPPING INTO THE AREA WHEN IT COMES TO ELECTRONICS AND STILL CONCERNING WITHIN A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE STATE, LEGISLATORS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND OTHERS.

>> ROBBY MCGHEE GOVERNMENTAL LEGISLATOR FOR THE POARCH CREEK INDIANS.

GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND WE'LL BE RIGHT BACK.

DON: AND THAT'S CAPITOL JOURNAL FOR TONIGHT.

COMING UP TOMORROW NIGHT, WE'LL HAVE THE LATEST FROM THE STATEHOUSE, INCLUDING EXPECTED DISCUSSION ON THE SENATE FLOOR OF A NEW GAMBLING BILL.

A VOTE ON IT IS NOT EXPECTED TOMORROW.

AND OUR GUESTS WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVE BECKY NORDGREN OF GADSDEN, WHO WILL TALK WITH US ABOUT HER CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATURE TO CALL ITSELF INTO SPECIAL SESSION.

NORDGREN WILL ALSO DISCUSS LEAVING THE LEGISLATURE LATER THIS YEAR, AFTER BEING ELECTED REVENUE COMMISSIONER IN ETOWAH COUNTY.

FOR ALL OF US AT CAPITOL JOURNAL, THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.