The 2020 Indiana Legislative Session concluded on March 10, just as the state was ramping up social distancing efforts and eventual stay-at-home order in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
At a recent membership meeting, John Willey, IAMOA lobbyist, gave an update on the 2020 Indiana legislative session.
The 2020 session moved very quickly with 700+ bills. Since it was a short session, there was limited time to get a footing for a VGT bill and the House Public Policy Committee (where a VGT bill would be assigned) did not meet during the session.
There was a VGT bill introduced, HB 1373 that would provide VGTs for veterans’ clubs throughout the state. The bill did not receive a hearing.
Looking forward to 2021, there will be a new Speaker of the House, Todd Houston and likely leadership changes in the House as a result. November elections will bring on a dozen new legislators as well.
The COVID-19 shutdowns are going to have a lasting impact on the State of Indiana that will cause us to recalibrate our legislative strategy in 2021. The situation will cause the state to dip into the reserves and will have tax revenue losses for 2020, much of which come from gaming.
As we move into the 2021 session, we will need to continue to meet with legislators, as well as the Indiana Economic Development Council, to talk about how small businesses and possibly VGTs could be part of the recovery.
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