Authorizes casino gaming in the Commonwealth to be regulated by the Virginia Lottery Board (the Board). Casino gaming shall be limited to certain cities that meet the criteria that is outlined in the bill, and a referendum must be passed in the city on the question of allowing casino gaming in the city. The bill requires the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) conduct a review of casino gaming laws of other states and report its findings to Chairmen of the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology and the House Committee on General Laws on or before December 1, 2019. The bill contains enactment clauses that prohibit (i) any referendum from being held prior to the publication of the JLARC findings and recommendations regarding casino gaming or after January 1, 2021, and (ii) the Board from issuing a license to operate a gaming operation before July 1, 2020. The bill also provides that amendments to the Code of Virginia that are made in the bill will not become effective unless reenacted by the 2020 Session of the General Assembly.
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Provides that a person who is otherwise eligible to receive food stamp benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families shall not be denied such assistance solely because he has been convicted of any drug-related felony, provided that such person is complying with, or has already complied with, all obligations imposed by the criminal court, is actively engaged in or has completed a substance abuse treatment program, participates in periodic drug screenings, and fulfills any other obligations as determined by the Department of Social Services. Under current law, such individuals may not be denied food stamp benefits based on a felony conviction of possession of a controlled substance. The provisions of the bill are contingent on funding in a general appropriation act.