From state Rep. Curt Schroder (R-155th Dist.), Republican chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee:

State Rep. Curt Schroder has gathered the necessary support to require a line-by-line reading of the pending table game legislation before a final vote is taken on the bill.

In a letter Monday to House Speaker Keith McCall (D-Carbon), Schroder expressed concern that lawmakers will not have sufficient time to read and consider Senate Bill 711, legislation that would authorize table games in the Commonwealth.

Schroder, having obtained the signatures of 51 House members, made a formal request to have SB 711 read aloud during session to allow lawmakers the opportunity to hear the contents of the hastily-drafted bill before a final vote can be taken to expand gambling in Pennsylvania.

"Substantial changes have been made to the table games legislation in recent weeks and House members have had almost no time to review it," said Schroder.

"Controversies such as those surrounding Foxwoods Casino in Philadelphia, the possibility of additional resort licenses and the expansion in the number of slot machines in existing casinos are also rumored to be part of the final bill. These changes deserve our thoughtful consideration. By forcing a line-by-line reading of the bill as provided under House Rule 21, Pennsylvania citizens can be assured that their representative knows what he or she is voting on."

Schroder said the original gaming legislation that authorized slots in Pennsylvania five years ago was riddled with problems that have yet to be rectified. By invoking Rule 21 and forcing a line-by-line reading of the bill on the House floor, he said lawmakers can make an informed decision.

A formal set of rules governs session conduct and procedures in the House. Rule 21 maintains that all amendments to a bill be printed and made available to House members prior to a final vote on a bill. It further states that upon written request to the presiding officer by at least 25 percent of the members elected to the House, any bill shall be read at length.