ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, February 3, 1996 TAG: 9602040020
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: RICHMOND
SOURCE: ROBERT LITTLE STAFF WRITER
The state Senate voted Friday to place new restrictions on off-track betting in Virginia, a measure designed to keep Virginia's horse racing industry focused more on horses than gambling.
The Senate voted 35-3 for a bill that would force the operator of proposed off-track betting parlors in Chesapeake and Richmond to channel profits into a planned thoroughbred track in New Kent County.
The bill now goes before the House of Delegates, where opponents will get another chance to alter or kill it.
Sen. Kenneth Stolle, R-Virginia Beach, entered the bill to ensure live horse racing in Virginia, not just gambling on televised races. Next year, the state could close the off-track parlors if live racing is not in place.
Under the proposed law, the operator of two proposed OTB parlors must reach an agreement to share profits with horse groups. The money would go toward prizes at Colonial Downs, the planned track off Interstate 64 between Richmond and Williamsburg.
Debate has swirled around the gambling parlors, which could produce some half a million dollars in annual tax revenue for Chesapeake and Richmond. But senators adopted it without debate, largely as a gesture to Stolle.
Stolle spent much of Friday's Senate session trying to amend another bill that he feared would harm the Navy and sour its relationship with Virginia. His amendment failed. Afterward, Stolle let the bill pass with no parliamentary finagling or backroom tactics to kill it.
In less-congenial times, a battle might have ensued. But the Senate floor leader responded in kind. Sen. Richard Saslaw, a Fairfax County Democrat, let Stolle's equally controversial bill come up for a final vote before the weekend.
"A courtesy," Saslaw said to his colleagues on the floor.
Also Friday, Senators voted 38-2 in favor of a bill that would allow the Virginia Beach City Council to absorb the financial responsibilities of the School Board.
Offered by Virginia Beach Sen. Ed Schrock, the proposal grew from the recent financial problems - including a $12.1 million deficit - under the School Board's watch.
The vote was a victory of sorts for the freshman senator, who considered the bill one of his legislative priorities.
But the House of Delegates already snuffed out a similar proposal. And members there show little sign of warming to the Senate's version.
"We'll keep going," Schrock said.
LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines KEYWORDS: GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1996by CNB