A provision in a referendum bill that could bring slots to Prince George’s County is unconstitutional, according to the Maryland’s attorney general.
The referendum, which would put the slots issue on the November ballot, includes a provision that requires that a majority of Prince George’s County voters favor slots in their home county, in addition to receiving the blessing of voters statewide.
But according to state laws on referendums, the local voter requirement is unconstitutional, said state Attorney General Doug Gansler, a decision that could further hamper a bill already expected to have a difficult time passing the General Assembly’s vote.
However, the county council could use the results of a statewide referendum, which would include information on the number of Prince George’s voters in favor of slots, to guide their response to the referendum. The referendum bill, introduced by state Sen. Douglas J.J. Peters, D-Prince George’s, protects the council’s right to ban slots through zoning legislation.
Gansler’s analysis was requested by Del. Aisha Braveboy, D-Prince George’s County, who said last week she is disappointed the legislation ties slots revenues to a new hospital in Prince George’s.
