Starting an Alabama state lottery is one step closer from happening after two proposals were approved by the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee during a special session Tuesday.

The bills were approved on a voice vote.

Both bills are by Sen. Jim McClendon (R-Springville).

One bill allows voters to decide whether to establish a lottery, from which the revenue is to benefit the General Fund. The second bill would allow a lottery as well as gambling machines called video lottery terminals at the state’s four greyhound tracks.

The second bill also calls on Gov. Robert Bentley to enter into a compact with the Poarch Creek Indians and a bond issue to benefit Medicaid.

The Senate is considering the bills today.

-AL.com