Maryland: HB 1319 Passes out of House Ways & Means Committee; Second Reading March 16
HB1319 passed out of the House Ways & Means Committee on March 13 in a 15-7 vote. The bill will be given a 2nd reading on the House floor tomorrow, Sat. March 16, which means the bill can be amended and debated.
We understand that a new amendment will be added today (March 15 ) that would create a fund for union workers. This is an attempt to placate union employees who have expressed concerns over potential job losses (see the most recent version of the bill here).
The bill sponsor feels confident the bill will get out of the House. As it moves to the Senate, we are working with key leaders in the chamber to address specific concerns with the House Bill (tax rates and licensing), and neutralize the opposition of Cordish and Churchill Downs, while still maintaining sufficient market access points. The House must pass a bill by March 18 to be considered in the Senate.
We have provided comprehensive talking points related to cannibalization and RG to the bill sponsor for the floor debate. Our team is working on individual members in the House to help secure the votes needed for passage. We are coordinating with in-state industry stakeholders on ways to advance the bill in the Senate.