May 13, 2021, 8:48 am ·
A troubled effort to bring a casino in the Louisiana City of Slidell has hit another roadblock as sponsors of twin bills on the matter seek to garner enough support to move at least one of the measures out of the Legislature and onto Governor John Bel Edwards’ desk.
News emerged on Wednesday that Rep. Mary DuBuisson lacked the votes she needed to get the full House floor to take up her House Bill 497.
The House lawmaker told reporters that
“there were a few questions that need to be answered” and that she wants to wait until she feels it’s the right time to have the piece considered by her colleagues. Rep. DuBuisson further noted that it is possible she will
(The Center Square) – A Louisiana House committee voted Tuesday to allow a referendum on a casino company’s bid to move its license from Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish.
May 5, 2021, 9:05 am ·
A Louisiana House committee on Tuesday passed a bill that would allow a local referendum to be held in St. Tammany Parish on whether its residents want a casino to be developed just outside the City of Slidell.
The House Committee on Administration of Justice voted 8-2 to advance HB 497 by Rep. Mary DuBuisson. The measure needs approval from the full House, the Senate, and Governor John Bel Edwards.
As mentioned above, if the bill survives all legislative hurdles, it would allow St. Tammany Parish residents to
decide on a proposed $250 million casino off Interstate 10 and the Oak Harbor exit just outside Slidell.
House committee backs referendum for casino in Slidell
A Louisiana House committee voted Tuesday to allow a referendum on a casino company’s bid to move its license from Bossier City to St. Tammany Parish.
The House Committee on Administration of Criminal Justice voted, 8-2, to advance House Bill 497, which seeks to let St. Tammany voters decide whether a casino will be allowed in their parish. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board also would have to approve the move.
Senate Bill 213, which has the same goal, is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Finance committee. A judiciary committee advanced the bill earlier in the session, though that vote has been questioned because the chairman who cast the tie-breaking vote is married to a lobbyist for the project.
If voters in Slidell and St. Tammany Parish are to face a local ballot referendum this November regarding a potential casino resort, state lawmakers in Baton Rouge must act quickly.
The Blind Tiger restaurant in Slidell, La., is viewed. A Louisiana casino operator is seeking to build a gaming resort next to the eatery. (Image: The Blind Tiger Slidell)
The Louisiana Legislature’s 2021 session is set to end on June 10. Before then, lawmakers in the Senate and House must come to terms on a bill that would allow area voters in St. Tammany to decide whether they wish to end the parish’s longstanding ban on commercial gambling.