Senate Committee Approves Counter Gambling Bill in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, KY (AP) - Legislation that would allow Kentucky voters a say in all gambling proposals has cleared one hurdle by getting through a Senate committee.

The Senate State and Local Government Committee approved the measure on a 7-5 vote Wednesday. It would require a longstanding proposal to legalize slots at horse tracks or any other such measure to be ratified by voters in a ballot referendum.

The legislation is expected to be short-lived. If it were to pass the full Senate, House Speaker Greg Stumbo said it won't pass the House.

Stumbo is pushing the alternative measure that would legalize slots at the state's horse tracks without a voter referendum.

The legislation is Senate Bill 2.