By Tony McVeigh
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-891837.mp3
Frankfort, KY – Week eleven of the 2010 session ended with the Senate passing a new six-year road plan, then deciding to pull the bill back and return it to committee. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Ernie Harris says the House adjourned early, so there was nowhere to send the bill.
The House approved legislation creating a state board to oversee radon mitigation efforts across the state. The House also said yes to a bill excusing Kentuckians 80-years and older from jury duty. Both bills advance to the Senate.
Meanwhile, Georgetown Sen. Damon Thayer still hopes to revive his instant racing bill before the 2010 General Assembly adjourns in nine days. Citing time constraints and growing opposition, Thayer had put the bill on hold, but now he's seriously considering making one last stand.
The bill would allow Kentucky horse tracks to operate instant racing machines, which allow bettors to wager on thousands of randomly-selected, previously run horse races. Opponents say the electronic machines are just another form of video slots, but supporters believe current state law allows operation of the machines without a constitutional amendment on expanded gambling.