Republicans delay governor’s casino plan

Thursday, April 18, 2002 | 11:08 a.m.

PHOENIX -- Republicans on the Senate Rules Committee blocked Gov. Jane Hull's plan for new agreements on Indian casino operations from getting to a floor vote Wednesday.

On a 4-4 vote, the committee refused to designate the bill (SB1001) proper for consideration by the full Senate even though staff attorneys said it is constitutional. Without a majority, the bill failed.

"We have a bill that affects part of the state and not another. We have a bill that affects one race and not another," Sen. Darden Hamilton, R-Glendale, said. "That puts some constitutional questions in my mind."

Hull's plan, the result of negotiations with 17 Indian tribes, would authorize Indian casino compacts that would put more slot machines into play and allow Las Vegas-style blackjack.

In exchange, the state would collect up to 8 percent of the profits, estimated at $100 million per year. The agreements would last 10 years with an automatic 10 year renewal plus a renegotiating period of up to nine years.

Hamilton was joined by fellow Republicans Lori Daniels of Chandler, Tom Smith of Phoenix and Randall Gnant of Scottsdale in voting against the bill.

Gnant said he blocked Hull's bill because the governor was trying to fast-track it and lawmakers need more time to consider the proposal. In a memo to senators, he promised to bring the bill to the floor once he prepares a list of questions and answers from the governor's staff and opponents.