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Tribal casino bill delayed in House
Web Posted: 04/26/2007 12:25 AM CDT
San Antonio Express-News
Tribal casino bill delayed in House
AUSTIN — A bill that could open the door to casinos again on the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribal lands was derailed Wednesday, postponing what promises to be a heated debate on gambling in Texas.
The Texas Indian tribes say they need the profits from casino gambling to fund social and education programs on their struggling reservations. Hundreds of tribal members filled the public gallery in the Texas House of Representatives.
But just as supporters and anti-gambling opponents were bracing for yet another fight over the future of gambling in Texas, the bill was sent back to a House committee because of a technical problem with the bill's analysis provided to lawmakers.
The bill sponsor, Rep. Norma Chavez, D-El Paso, promised to get it fixed and back before the House for debate by Monday.
"It's unfortunate the Tiguas had to drive 11 hours" from El Paso for no vote, Chavez said.
Her bill would provide a defense to prosecution for gambling activities on federally recognized Indian lands. |
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