EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 719 ESTABLISHING THE STUDY GROUP ON GAMBLING POLICY WHEREAS the people of Alabama were last given an opportunity to vote on gambling in 1999, when they considered Governor Siegelman?s ?education lottery? proposal; WHEREAS, since that 1999 vote of the people, over 180 bills have been introduced in the Legislature related to some form of gambling or a lottery; WHEREAS, since the 1999 vote, Alabama?s appellate courts have issued no fewer than 18 published decisions reaffirming our state constitution?s prohibition on ?lotteries" and ?gift enterprises,? including many forms of casino gambling; WHEREAS the economic, social, and political implications of gambling continue to be debated by proponents and opponents of legalized gambling; WHEREAS all four of Alabama?s neighboring States offer one or more forms of gambling, and many Alabamians travel across state lines to participate,- WHEREAS these facts demonstrate that, over twenty years following the last vote of the people, the issue of gambling is still a source of economic and political uncertainty for Alabama; WHEREAS I strongly believe that the people of Alabama should have the final say on the future of gambling in our State,- and WHEREAS, for the people to make the best decision, they must have all the facts; NOW, THEREFORE, 1, Kay lvey, Governor of the State of Alabama, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 719 hereby establish the Governor?s Study Group on Gambling Policy (?the Study Group?) as further set forth below: 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Study Group is to produce detailed and accurate factual findings to allow the Legislature and the people of Alabama to make an informed decision. about the future of gambling in this State. Final report. By December 31, 2020, the Study Group shall submit a final report to the Governor, to the Legislature, and to the people of Alabama as follows: a. Factual findings. The report shall contain detailed and accurate factual findings relevant to the Study Group?s purpose. Questions the Study Group may address include the following: i. What is the current status of gambling operations in Alabama? - ii. What are the possible forms of gambling that could be allowed in Alabama casino-style slot machines, casino~style table games, a lottery, a compact, sports betting, etc)? What are the benefits of allowing gambling?whether economic, fiscal, social, political, or otherwise? For each possible form of gambling identified by the Study Group, how much revenue can the State reasonably expect to receive? In particular, what has been the experience of other States with respect to revenue derived from gambling? Are there factors unique to Alabama that could positively or negatively affect the amount of revenue Alabama could expect to receive from gambling? How do other States spend the revenue they derive from gambling? iv. What are the costs of allowing gambling?whether economic, fiscal, social, political, or otherwise? For each possible form of gambling identified by the Study Group, what costs are unique to that particular form of gambling? What harms, if any, have other States experienced as a Page 2 EXECUTIVE ORDER No. 719 result of allowing gambling? What factors unique to Alabama could make these costs more or less severe? v. What regulatory structures and practices have other States adopted to maximize the benefits of gambling and minimize the costs of gambling? Taking into account the possible forms of gambling identified by the Study Group, are there other regulatory options uniquely available to Alabama to accomplish this purpose? Recommendations. The Study Group, or any of its individual members, may, but need not, make recommendations on any question relevant to the Study Group?s purpose. Membership. The members of the Study Group shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. a. Ethics pledge. Each member shall sign a copy of the ethics pledge attached to this order. Compensation and expenses. The members of the Study Group shall serve Without compensation or reimbursement for their expenses. Chair. The chair of the Study Group shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Governor. The chair of the Study Group will have the authority to: a. Oversee implementation of this order and the Work of the Study Group; Convene and preside at meetings; and Request technical assistance from the Governor?s Office as needed. Technical assistance. The Governor?s Office will supply legal, clerical, administrative, and other technical assistance as deemed appropriate by the Governor. Page 3 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 719 6. Meetings. The Study Group shall hold its first meeting at the call of the Governor. It shall meet periodically thereafter as determined necessary by the chair. 7. Duration. The Study Group shall be dissolved effective December 31, 2020. ONE A ND ORD ERED this 14th day of February 2020. ?l 2' 31> - (if; H- mum - I .m KAY IVEY Governor ATTESTED MAM MN H. MERRILL Secretary of State Page 4 EXECUTIVE ORDER o. 719 THE STUDY GROUP ON GAMBLING POLICY Ethics Pledge As a member of the Governor?s Study Group on Gambling Policy, I will strive to pursue the Study Group?s purpose keeping in mind the interests of the State of Alabama as a whole. I have no known con?icts of interest that would prevent me from performing my duties in this manner, and I have no intent to profit as a result of my service. Signature Printed Name Date