HR856 Summary

• Requests written opinions from the Alabama Supreme Court on five constitutional questions regarding Senate Bill 380, a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize electronic bingo machines and establish a State Gaming Commission.

• Questions whether Section 82 of the Alabama Constitution prohibits legislators with financial interests in electronic bingo operations (such as attorneys representing clients seeking to operate bingo facilities) from voting on the bill.

• Questions whether Senate Bill 380's passage in the Senate with exactly 21 votes (three-fifths of all members) violates Section 284 if one disqualified legislator's vote was necessary for passage.

• Questions whether the proposed ballot language violates Section 285 by failing to "clearly indicate" that the amendment would authorize electronic gambling machines and a game substantially different from traditional bingo.

• Directs the House Clerk to send copies of Senate Bill 380 and this resolution to the Alabama Supreme Court.