House Bill No. 147, introduced by Representative Young, seeks to authorize the governing authority of Claiborne Parish to conduct a local option election regarding the operation of video draw poker devices within the parish. The bill enacts a new section, R.S. 18:1300.27, which outlines the procedures for calling and holding the election. Specifically, the governing authority can call the election through an ordinance or resolution, which must specify the election date and the proposition wording for the ballot. The election can be scheduled on any date that complies with existing election laws, provided it is more than 45 days but not more than six months after the resolution is adopted.

If the majority of voters approve the proposition, video draw poker devices will be permitted in Claiborne Parish; if not, their operation will be prohibited, and no licenses will be issued. The governing authority is responsible for notifying the Louisiana Gaming Control Board of the election results and covering the election costs. Importantly, the bill stipulates that this election can only occur once.