The House Judiciary Committee met Friday afternoon to discuss two bills that previously passed the House.
Before the committee’s discussion on these two bills though, the committee briefly discussed and amended House Bill 2185, which is a bill that relates to the removal of animals left unattended in cars. The committee discussed the bill in its morning meeting but took the bill up again to address an amendment.
After an amendment to this bill was adopted, the committee then voted to send it to the House.
The next bill the committee took up was House Bill 2183, this bill would clarify where a charge of DUI may be brought against a person. This would allow people who are under the influence and driving on their own property to be protected from DUIs and drunk driving offenses, unless injury is caused to another person.
However, if a person crosses over into private property or a road/highway, then charges would be allowed. The committee passed this bill reported it to the floor.
Finally, the committee reviewed House Bill 2184 which removes restrictions on where traditional lottery games may be played. This bill deals with the game “KENO,” which is currently offered in establishments that serve alcohol such as beer and liquor retailers as well as liquor stores.
Recently, the Lottery Commission allowed Buffalo Wild Wings the rights for customers to play the game. The bill would remove all restrictions on where the game is played and would make it available at any lottery retailer. The game wasn’t restricted until 1994. A lottery official who presented to the committee said it was possibly taken off of the publicly playable list because of private interest.
A similar bill also has been introduced in the Senate and is scheduled for first reading on Monday.
The committee will meet again on Monday, Janurary 14 at 10 a.m.
