DES MOINES, Iowa -- Governor Tom Vilsack said that he will sign a bill banning the Iowa Lottery's TouchPlay machines, reported the Associated Press.
He also said that he believes the state is on solid legal ground to require the owners to remove them from convenience stores, grocery stores and bars within 45 days. There are reportedly more than 6,000 TouchPlay machines in more than 2,800 taverns, c-stores and grocery stores statewide.
The Iowa Senate approved the ban on Monday, followed by the state House on Tuesday. It puts the [image-nocss] issue in front of Vilsack, who said that he will honor the will of the Legislature.
The ban is expected to set up a court fight between the state and the companies that have invested an estimated $130 million in the slot machine-like devices.
The House approved the ban 79 to 18. Within minutes of sending the measure to the governor, the House began addressing a separate measure that would allow the machines to remain active until September 1. The House approved the move, sending it to the Senate.
Another provision in the initial bill puts a nearly 90% excise tax on any machines still operating after the 45-day stretch. Lawmakers included the provision should businesses carry through on their threat to sue the state and get an injunction to keep the machines.
The House debate included arguments that business owners had invested millions of dollars to get the machines after the legislature approved them in 2002. Some lawmakers said that banning them would hurt thousands of businesses.
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