Senate Adopts Two Spilka Casino Amendments

Debate on the expanding casino gaming bill began Monday in the Massachusetts Senate and two amendments proposed by the senator representing Holliston were among those adopted. 

The amendments filed by Sen. Karen Spilka, D-Ashland were two of more than 180 that have been filed, about a third of which  were taken up during more than four hours of debate Monday. 

One Spilka proposal adds language to the bill clarifying that communities can ask for impact studies beyond those required by the to-be-established Gaming Commission. 

The other gives the Commission the power to require that casino license applicants pay for costs that communities accrue in negotiating agreements with them, including legal fees. 

Spilka meant to give communities near casinos more say in where casinos are sited and how mitigation funds are spent.  

Debate is scheduled to resume Tuesday afternoon. With no formal session scheduled for Thursday because of the Rosh Hashnana Jewish holiday, it is widely believed that a Senate vote on the bill will come sometime next week.