INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma is skipping out on voting for an important bill this session.
Bosma, R-Indianapolis, wrote a letter to the House ethics committee last month, saying he was recusing himself from voting on a wide-ranging gambling bill.
The bill would let a Gary casino move to Terre Haute after a $50 million fee, legalize sports wagering and more.
Bosma said he isn’t voting on it because his law firm represents one of the stakeholders to the bill, the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board of Managers.
In the letter, Bosma said he doesn’t have a direct interest in the legislation. He reiterated that statement Thursday, while saying he’s followed all the rules.
“Actually, I've went beyond our ethics requirements in this,” he said. “Well beyond our ethics requirements. I have no personal interest - no pecuniary interest in this. Just thought the appearance wasn't great, which is why I filed the letter last year and this year."
Bosma said he’s hoping to get the legislative session finished by the middle of next week.
