The state could pick up $100 million or more in sales taxes annually from coin-operated games, said the Macon co-sponsor of a new bipartisan state House bill that would allow game winnings to be stored on a gift card.

When a winner uses the card at a store, sales tax comes out of the winnings, too, state Rep. David Lucas, D-Macon, said.

Right now, slot operators are forbidden from directly or indirectly paying cash to winners. Winnings are supposed to be redeemable for more plays or certain merchandise only.

The card could not be spent on alcohol, tobacco, firearms or the lottery, or sold for cash.

The law also would allow nonprofits and businesses to run such games and give away noncash prizes as part of promotions in good faith, limited to two players at once per location.

Georgia must look at spending cuts of about $1.7 billion or more to balance its budget in the next fiscal year.

Capitol honors late Crawford representative

The state House and Senate passed a resolution to memorialize the late Rep. Tony Sellier, who was a Republican from Crawford County.

House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said of the Trinidad native and naturalized American citizen: “I don’t know any person who loved this country more than Tony.”

Rep. Lynmore James, D-Montezuma, said he and Sellier worked together like hand in glove: “I wish we could all work together like Tony and I.”

Sellier always lifted his spirits, said House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire, even as the representative was lying in a hospital bed last November.

“I just have to take a look in my mind’s eye at that old mug,” remarked O’Neal, to remember what a great place the Capitol is to work.

-- Compiled by Maggie Lee.