<a href="http://pokerplayersalliance.wordpress.com/2007/01/23/news-10th-district-legislator-introduces-bill-to-provide-an-affirmative-defense-to-the-class-c-felony-created-by-2006-internet-gambling-bill/" >Press Release </a>Jan. 23, 2007In-home recreational internet gaming shouldn’t be a felony, says Strow10th District legislator introduces bill to provide an affirmative defense to the Class C Felony created by 2006 internet gambling billRep. Chris Strow, R-Whidbey Island, today announced his legislation, House Bill 1243, to quash the felony charge language in last year’s legislation addressing in-home internet gambling.“My goal with this legislation is to correct an element from last year’s online gambling bill, Senate Bill 6613, that made it a Class C Felony to gamble recreationally in one’s own home if it is done online,” said Strow.“While I do see the need for protecting our citizens from online gaming that may be scamming innocent victims, I do think that there is also a level of accountability, as an adult, to do as he or she chooses in his or her own home,” said Strow. “Most certainly choosing to gamble, or play a game of skill such as poker, should not have been made a crime equivalent to possessing child pornography or threatening the Governor.”House Bill 1243 is currently awaiting a hearing in the House Commerce and Labor Committee.“While I have requested a hearing on the bill, people need to call and write the Chairman of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, Representative Steve Conway, and ask him to schedule a hearing for House Bill 1243,” said Strow. Rep. Conway can be reached at (360) 786-7906 or Conway.steve@leg.wa.gov “There’s a certain point at which policy can be perceived as ‘nanny stateish.’ I think we reached that point with last year’s legislation and I’m aiming to make amends,” said Strow.
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