A HOUSE RESOLUTION reaffirming the position of the house of representatives to ban video Gaming machines.
Whereas, the General Assembly legalized video gaming machines in 1993, and soon thereafter proposed legislation restricting the use of the machines; and
Whereas, the General Assembly overwhelmingly enacted legislation in 2006 to phase out video gaming machines by July 1, 2007; and
Whereas, in 2008, the General Assembly passed legislation making it unlawful to promote, operate, or conduct a server‑based electronic game promotion, which also passed by an overwhelming margin; and
Whereas, prior to the 2008 ban becoming effective, gaming machine manufacturers were able to modify the machines so that they would not be covered by the ban; and
Whereas, in December 2008, a Guilford County Superior Court judge issued a temporary injunction on the ban for server‑based terminals; and
Whereas, in February 2009, a Wake County Superior Court judge rendered an opinion striking down the State's video gaming law on the grounds that the law could not prohibit the gaming machines in much of the State while allowing the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to operate the same games; and
Whereas, these court rulings have hindered law enforcement and lawmakers from ridding the State of video gaming machines; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives wishes to reaffirm its position that video gaming machines should be banned in North Carolina.
SECTION 2.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.