The Judiciary Committee recommended a do‑not‑pass on House Bill 1416, a measure that would have changed rules governing charitable gaming and the concurrent presence of gaming machines and other community events at small venues. The committee’s do‑not‑pass motion, moved by Senator Myrtle and seconded by Senator Lueck, passed on a 5–2 vote.

Supporters of keeping the bill from passing argued the issue is best handled locally. Senator Myrtle, who moved the do‑not‑pass, said small communities can resolve conflicts—such as temporarily covering or disabling gaming machines during private events—without changing state law. “This is a local issue,” Senator Bridal said during debate, arguing that small towns can negotiate access so charitable organizations can continue fundraisers.

Opponents of the do‑not‑pass motion argued the bill would help rural locations that currently lose opportunities when a single site controls access to pull‑tab machines or other charitable gaming. Senator Castaneda and others said the measure would give communities more options rather than harm them.

Committee members discussed practical arrangements (for example, covering machines during events) and local control. Senator Lueck and other members said accommodating a single event at a time is often possible without statutory change.

The roll call on the do‑not‑pass motion recorded Senator Brownberger — No; Senator Castaneda — Yes; Senator Paulson — Yes; Senator Cory — No; Senator Lueck — Yes; Senator Myrtle — Aye; Chair Larson — Yes. Chair Larson announced the motion carried.