In an unusual move today, House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, asked to delay another day on the vote on SB 1011, the bill to repeal “instant racing,” and the bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, objected. That forced Moyle to make a motion that then was voted on regarding the delay.

“It is our intention to hold it one more day but I want you all to be prepared because we will hear it tomorrow,” Moyle told the House, prompting Andrus’ objection. Moyle then said, “I understand that there is a lot of feelings and concerns and I understand that a lot of you want this issue to go away and a lot of you want to hear it today. But there have been some decisions made today that we will hear it tomorrow. … Tomorrow we can share our frustration on the floor one way or the other with regard to this legislation.”

Andrus said, “I’ve not been contacted , there are people in this building who are actively trying to sway people on one side. … I think it’s unfair that we delay this. I think that people are expecting a vote on this and I think we’d just as well have the debate on this.” Rep. John Gannon, D-Boise, said, “I will support the motion, but I sure hope they figure out a solution to this.”

Moyle said, “I understand the good sponsor of this bill’s frustration and I apologize for not calling you. … I don’t know what the motives are, I have no motive in this. … This is procedural.” Moyle’s motion then passed on a 49-21 vote, and the House debate was put off until tomorrow. SB 1011 earlier passed the Senate on a 25-9 vote; it cleared the House State Affairs Committee last week with just two no votes.

“Instant racing” machines were installed at three locations around the state – Les Bois Park in Boise, the Greyhound Park Event Center in Post Falls, and the Double Down Betting Bar & Grill in Idaho Falls - after lawmakers in 2013 agreed to authorize wagering on “historical horse racing,” or broadcasts of past races. Lawmakers said they never intended to authorize the slot machine-like instant racing machines that followed.