The Virginia House of Delegates recently voted 78-18 on SB 628, which would allow a voter referendum on making Petersburg the state’s fifth casino host city instead of Richmond, where voters rejected a casino twice.
Soon after the House vote, the Senate voted 24-16 to send the measure, sponsored by state Senator Lashrecse Aird, to Governor Glenn Youngkin for his signature.
The bill passed the Senate 29-10 on February 9 but was returned after the House added an amendment requiring a second vote “at a subsequent regular or special session” of the General Assembly. Typically that would delay official passage by a year. However, Aird said a referendum could be held in November due to the “special session” clause.
If legislators are called to a special session, observers said state Senator Pro Tempore Louise Lucas likely would hold a vote on SB 628. Lucas co-sponsored the Petersburg casino bill with Aird. If it passes both chambers, it would go to Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has said he supports a casino in Petersburg, located about 25 miles south of Richmond.
Prior to the fall Petersburg voter referendum, the city would initiate a competitive bidding process among developers. Last month, the city council opened a Request for Proposal for the proposed casino resort. Details include a casino, 500-room hotel, restaurants, retail and a performance space. The city also would require a $60 million upfront payment.
