The Rhode Island Senate on Thursday passed legislation to put before voters in November a proposition to amend the Rhode Island Constitution to permit a resort casino in West Warwick, to be privately owned and operated in association with the Narragansett Indian tribe.
The bill, which was introduced by Rep. Timothy A. Williamson, D-Coventry, West Warwick, was passed by the Senate on a vote of 23-13. The legislation passed the House of Representatives last week and was approved earlier this week by the Senate Committee on Constitutional and Gaming Issues.
Thursday’s vote by the Senate completes the constitutional process necessary to put the question on the November ballot. Because it is a proposed constitutional amendment, the matter does not need to be transmitted to the governor for his consideration but instead goes directly to the secretary of state for inclusion on the ballot.
