Negotiators over a bill designed to increase penalties for those running illegal gaming houses remain unresolved a day before Sine Die.
The Senate passed the measure (SB 1580) last Friday, sending it to the House this week. But the House has now amended the measure, requiring it to return to the Senate.
Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy, who sponsored the House measure, offered an amendment that adjusted some technical language. One of the stipulations in the amendment allows legal gambling operations to move their operations about 1,300 square feet from their current locations and maintain their licenses. The House adopted the amendment.
Some House members did raise questions on the measure, such as Tampa Democrat Rep. Dianne Hart-Lowman. She worried the bill could hamper veterans organizations that offer slot machines as a way to raise funds.
Veterans groups during the Committee process also voiced concerns about the impact on their operations. But Trabulsy said the bill would allow veterans organizations to contact officials with the Florida Gaming Control Commission to see if the machines are legal to prevent any disruption to that game at veteran lodges.
Some veterans groups depend on the bingo wagering and slots to fund programs supporting veterans in local communities.
The bill calls for the authorized destruction of illegal gaming machines, such as slot machines, seized in raids. The measure would establish an Inspector General to review investigations.
The measure would increase the penalty for those who operate an illegal gambling house to a third-degree felony. That punishment was downgraded six years ago to a misdemeanor.
