Two Alabama senators are pushing measures that could let voters decide whether the state joins the lottery era.
Sen. Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair) introduced a pair of bills Tuesday, one creating a lottery and the other placing a constitutional amendment on the ballot. McClendon described his proposal as a “clean” lottery bill that would not open the door to casinos, card games or other forms of gambling.
He estimates a lottery could generate about $250 million a year for the state, with the money split between education and general needs. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said he plans to introduce his own lottery measure soon.
If approved by lawmakers, the question would go before voters on the 2020 presidential primary ballot next March.