The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 8, Gaming, by Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton). Senator Galvano and Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart) released the following statements.
Statement by President Negron:
“This legislation will provide needed certainty and predictability in our state gaming policies. I am pleased to see the Senate pass legislation that ratifies the 2015 Compact executed by Governor Scott with modifications that ensure we honor the will of our fellow citizens in the eight counties that have approved referenda to expand the availability of gaming options. I appreciate Senator Galvano’s leadership in working with all stakeholders to formalize a comprehensive piece of legislation that provides a foundation for further discussions with Governor Scott, our colleagues in the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe, industry stakeholders, and constituents.”
Statement by Senator Galvano:
“This legislation builds on work that has taken place and input received by the Senate over the last several years. The bill covers all aspects of gaming in our state in a comprehensive manner that addresses industry instability caused by antiquated and ambiguous provisions of current law. It renews our ongoing revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and recognizes the authority of local voters. Today’s action is an important step towards finalizing a statewide approach that respects all stakeholders, while modernizing Florida’s gaming laws, and maximizing revenues to the state for education, healthcare and infrastructure.”
Comprehensive Gaming Legislation
Comprehensive Gaming Legislation Passes Final Senate Committee
Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 8, Gaming, which today passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
“Florida is a diverse state and our constituents have many different opinions, beliefs and convictions regarding gaming. This legislation does not attempt to make value judgments about the private activities of free, taxpaying Floridians, instead it presents a comprehensive approach to regulating a voter-approved industry that has contributed billions of dollars to our economy for education, health care and infrastructure, while providing hundreds of thousands of jobs to Floridians over the course of nearly 100 years.
“On a statewide basis and locally, voters have told us they support gaming in this state. The people of Florida have even gone so far as to authorize gaming in our state constitution. With that directive in mind, my goal has always been to maximize opportunities for revenue sharing between the state and gaming establishments. Specifically, the goal of this legislation is to negotiate a new Compact that continues our relationship with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, remove antiquated provisions of law that impact pari-mutuel facilities, and honor voter referendums that authorize expanded gaming opportunities in certain Florida counties.
“I am confident we can strike the right balance between these competing interests. Implementing a guaranteed payment requirement will ensure we achieve our first priority – revenue sharing between the state and authorized gaming entities – under each and every scenario.”
