Senate to debate Bentley lottery bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Gov. Robert Bentley’s lottery bill is heading to a possible vote in the Alabama Senate.

Senators will debate the legislation Friday afternoon. The debate comes after senators on Thursday rejected a broader bill that would have also allowed gambling machines at locations around the state.

Bentley called lawmakers into special session to debate a lottery and other proposals to provide money for the state’s Medicaid program. The governor urged lawmakers to pass the bill and put the issue to a public vote.

Alabama is one of six states without a lottery. However, lawmakers have been pessimistic about a lottery bill’s chances because of divisions over gambling.

The Senate convenes at 2 p.m.

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