(ANGOLA) - Indiana lawmakers are scheduled to take up legislation Wednesday that could allow a casino to relocate to Steuben County, as local officials continue efforts to position the county as a potential host site.
The Indiana State Senate is expected to hold a first hearing on House Bill 1038, which would permit the relocation of the Rising Star Casino license from southeastern Indiana to a new location elsewhere in the state.
Steuben County Commissioner Wil Howard is in Indianapolis to speak with lawmakers and answer questions about the potential relocation of the casino to Steuben County.
As the state process moves forward, Steuben County officials have launched a public information effort aimed at educating residents about the proposal. County government, the Steuben County Tourism Bureau and the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation have introduced an informational website branded Steuben - Where Fun Wins.
Officials said the website, available at steubenfunwins.com, along with a companion Facebook page under the same name, is intended to provide background information on what a potential casino relocation could involve and how it might affect the community.
County leaders emphasized the materials are informational and do not represent final approval of a casino project.
While the state legislation would authorize relocation of the license, a casino could not move to Steuben County without local approval. County officials must first adopt a resolution by June 1 placing the question of casino gambling before voters.
If approved by county leaders, the issue would appear on the Nov. 3 general election ballot. A majority vote in favor, combined with passage of the state bill, would allow county commissioners to formally support relocating the casino license to Steuben County.
State officials have said applications to relocate the license would be accepted between Oct. 1 and Dec. 1. Any proposed casino project would still require approval from state gaming regulators before construction could begin.
County leaders have said public input will play a key role in the decision-making process as the June deadline approaches.