IL: Chairman Rita Unsure if Bill Will be Heard Before Adjournment
On 3/7, SB 2973, the supplier licensing fee correction bill that recently passed the Senate, was assigned to the House Executive Committee. On 3/10, iDEA spoke with House Executive Committee Chairman Bob Rita (the chamber’s gaming gatekeeper) about the bill.
Chairman Rita said that his staff is reviewing the bill and that he does not know if the bill will be heard before the 4/8 adjournment date.
Chairman Rita asked iDEA to circle back with him next week to discuss the status of SB 2973. In the meantime, we will speak with Representative Mike Zalewski (who has been very involved with Illinois sports betting legislation) and Senate President Pro Tempore Bill Cunningham (our lead sponsor in the Senate) to ask if they would encourage Chairman Rita to call the bill.
In previous conversations, Chairman Rita has shared his preference to address all gaming issues in an omnibus gaming bill. We are therefore reviewing other gaming bills that are still active to see if we might be able to coordinate efforts with the proponents of other bills.