Senate GOP slots bill changes could widen AG role

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Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2004 | 9:37 a.m.

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Republican leaders in the state Senate were readying a set of changes to the slot-machine gambling bill Monday that, among other things, would significantly widen the attorney general's oversight authority.

An amendment expected to be introduced today requires the attorney general to approve the legality of leases, contracts and regulations passed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, said Stephen C. MacNett, chief counsel to the Senate GOP.

It also establishes an investigative division within the attorney general's office to address gambling-related criminal activity and allows racketeering charges for gambling-law violations.

A summary of the 13-page amendment was obtained by the Associated Press on Monday, one day before it was expected to be considered by the Senate Rules Committee. A vote before the full Senate could also come today.

"It may be that we'll wind up with a couple more provisions tomorrow, or we could wind up with a couple less. This is still fluid, and there are people bringing some suggestions in," MacNett said Monday.