This week the Tennessee House State Government subcommittee will hear state Rep. Jason Powell’s proposed constitutional amendment, HJR87, that would allow the legislature to “authorize casino gaming to be operated within the state.”
Casino revenue would go to public schools and gambling addiction programs. “I’m always looking for any opportunity to generate more opportunity for K-12 education funding. I think our state is losing a lot of money to states surrounding us who have casino gaming. I want to keep those tax dollars here in our state,” Powell said.
Currently Tennessee law allows a state lottery but specifically prohibits “games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like.”
Powell said he hasn’t “crystallized the specifics” regarding Tennessee casinos. “If this were to pass, then it’s up to the general assembly to decide on the rules and processes for having legal gaming in our state,” Powell said. He acknowledged there would be opposition to his measure. “I do realize there will be those opposed and detractors. I realize the current posture of our state, but we need to understand we’re losing revenue to neighboring states and this is revenue we can keep in Tennessee. I’m optimistic, but also know there are concerns,” Powell said.
To become law, Powell’s resolution must pass the House and Senate by a simple majority in this session, then a two-thirds majority in the following session. After that it would need the approval of Tennessee voters.
