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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 23, 2007
In-home recreational internet gaming shouldn’t be a felony, says Strow,
10th District legislator introduces bill to provide an affirmative defense to
the Class C Felony created by 2006 internet gambling bill
Rep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island, today announced his legislation,
House Bill 1243, to quash the felony charge language in last year’s
legislation addressing in-home internet gambling. “My goal with this
legislation is to correct an element from last year’s online gambling bill,
Senate Bill 6613, that made it a Class C Felony to gamble recreationally
in one’s own home if it is done online,” said Strow.
“While I do see the need for protecting our citizens from online gaming
that may be scamming innocent victims, I do think that there is also a
level of accountability, as an adult, to do as he or she chooses in his or
her own home,” said Strow. “Most certainly choosing to gamble, or play a
game of skill such as poker, should not have been made a crime
equivalent to possessing child pornography or threatening the Governor.”
House Bill 1243 is awaiting a hearing in the House Commerce and Labor
Committee.
“While I have requested a hearing on the bill, people need to call and
write the chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee,
Representative Steve Conway, and ask him to schedule a hearing for
House Bill 1243,” said Strow. Rep. Conway can be reached at
(360) 786-7906 or .
“There’s a certain point at which policy can be perceived as ‘nanny-
stateish.’ I think we reached that point with last year’s legislation and I’m
aiming to make amends,” said Strow.
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