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Court rejects slots measure

Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 | 11:01 a.m.

LINCOLN, Neb. -- The Nebraska Supreme Court ruled today that a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize video slot machines cannot be put before voters.

The court ruled that the petition initiative was invalid because its organizers did not have a sworn statement on file with the Secretary of State listing the sponsors of the measure.

The Committee for Local Option Gaming, organized by cities and counties that operate keno lottery games, turned in 178,000 petition signatures last year, far more than the 109,000 needed, to get the video slots measure on the 2002 ballot.

But Lancaster County District Judge Paul Merritt Jr. ruled the group's 2,500-word proposal violated a constitutional provision limiting petition initiatives to one subject.

The proposal would have allowed video slot machines in up to 3,000 bars, restaurants, race tracks and keno parlors across the state, as well as in other designated spots within 20 miles of communities in neighboring states with video gambling.

However, it also would have prohibited the Legislature from authorizing any form of competing gambling.

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