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For Immediate Release
August 3, 2006
Senators Unveil Bills to Reform PA Slots Law
Package includes
White bills to revamp Gaming Board, tighten limits on
private board meetings
 News
Conference (38 minutes)
Harrisburg – A group of Republican
state Senators today announced a package of bills to make
major structural reforms to Pennsylvania's two-year-old
slots gaming law. The package includes legislation sponsored
by Sen. Mary Jo White (R-21).
The 21-bill package includes two
measures sponsored by Senator White aimed at ensuring the
integrity of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which
oversees the issuance of slots licenses.
One measure would significantly
strengthen limits on "ex parte," or closed-door, discussions
by board members and employees. The bill reflects New
Jersey's ex parte ban, which prohibits meetings or
discussions of any issue involving any matter whatsoever
that may be expected to come before the board, except in the
context of an official meeting or proceeding which would be
documented.
While New Jersey bans ex parte
communications with anyone, Pennsylvania's current gaming
law, Act 71 of 2004, places limits only on "parties of
interest" and covers fewer topics, White said.
"The amount of money involved in the
slots business is enormous, as is the potential for trouble
and political interference. It is vital that all board
discussions and deliberations be made in public, or logged
for public inspection," said White.
Another measure sponsored by White
seeks to reduce the politics involved in filling board
membership. Rather than letting legislative leaders appoint
board members as current law dictates, White's plan would
authorize the governor to nominate all members with
confirmation by the Senate – the process currently used with
other state boards and commissions.
Other measures in the package would bar
public officials and immediate families from holding any
ownership interest in slots licenses, improve oversight by
the Attorney General and the General Assembly, and close
ethics loopholes.
"I didn't support bringing slots to
Pennsylvania, but that law passed. If we're going to do it,
let's make sure we do it correctly, through a system that
will deserve public confidence," said White. "Recent
developments show that we need to implement stronger ethical
safeguards, and this comprehensive plan would do just that."
Contact:
Leigh Ramsey
(717) 787-9684
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