Slot machine bill filed in Kentucky House

FRANKFORT, Kentucky -- As reported by The Courier-Journal: "House Speaker Greg Stumbo yesterday filed his bill to expand gambling at the state's racetracks and said he hoped to speed it to a vote when lawmakers reconvene next month.

"The bill would not undergo the weeks of hearings that Gov. Steve Beshear's bill to expand gambling went through last year before it was overhauled and then approved in committee. It ultimately died without coming to a vote in the full House.

"The new bill, which would allow video lottery terminals similar to slot machines, needs to be out of committee a couple weeks after legislators return on Feb. 3 because it's a short session, Stumbo said.

"The 30-day session wraps up in early March before legislators meet again to consider any vetoes issued by the governor. Stumbo has said he won't call the bill for a vote of the full House unless there are 60 votes in support -- an attempt to withstand any legal challenge by opponents who say a supermajority is needed and the change should be made through a constitutional amendment..."