MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers on Monday prepared to end the 2021 legislative session without a vote on a gambling bill, and Gov. Kay Ivey indicated she will only call a special session on the issue if lawmakers can reach an agreement — something they have been unable to do for decades.
The session was winding down Monday night without a House vote on the Senate-passed lottery and casino bill. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said House leaders will not bring the bill up for debate on the busy final legislative day after negotiations fell apart earlier this month.
“I’m quite disappointed,” said Republican Sen. Jim McClendon, who sponsored the bill. He said the Senate worked hard to get a compromise, only to see the bill fall apart in the House. “It was a lot of work, but so much for that this session,” McClendon said.