(INDIANAPOLIS) - Steuben County leaders are one step closer to bringing a casino to the region after legislation allowing a potential relocation advanced Wednesday in the Indiana Senate.
House Bill 1038 passed the Senate Public Policy Committee on a 7-3 vote during its first Senate hearing. The measure now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. If approved there, it would advance to the full Senate for a vote before the end of the legislative session later this month.
The bill would allow an existing casino license in Ohio County to relocate to one of four counties: Allen, DeKalb, Steuben or Wayne.
Steuben County officials have actively advocated for the relocation and testified before the committee in support of the bill. County Commissioner Wil Howard and County Councilman Dan Caruso addressed lawmakers, joined by Commissioners Andy Laughlin and Rick Shipe and Angola Mayor Dave Martin in a unified show of support.
Supporters from Steuben County argued the county is well-positioned to host a casino development, citing its infrastructure, established tourism base and seasonal population increases.
Several senators who voted in favor of the bill described their support as tentative, signaling their positions could change as the proposal continues through the legislative process.
Under the legislation, any selected county would be required to place a public question on the November general election ballot. Voters would have the final say on whether a casino would be permitted in their community.
The bill also outlines financial requirements for relocation. The casino operator would be required to pay a $50 million state application fee, invest at least $500 million in development of the new property and provide a $30 million payment to Ohio County and Rising Sun to offset lost tax revenue from the relocation.
If the bill ultimately becomes law and a county is selected, the current Ohio County casino operator could continue gambling operations until one day before the license transfer is finalized.
With the short legislative session scheduled to end later this month, lawmakers face a limited window to move the proposal through the remaining committees and to a full Senate vote.