Even before the Florida Supreme Court decides a lawsuit over whether Gov. Charlie Crist had the power to unilaterally sign a casino compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, the state Legislature has begun consideration of a bill that would require legislative approval of any tribal gaming deals.

The Senate Regulatory Reform Committee on Feb. 6th approved a bill that would require the governor to submit any casino agreement with an Indian tribe to the Legislature for final approval.

"We think this is already the law," said Senate Democratic Leader Steve Geller. This just clarifies it."

The Florida House has filed a lawsuit, currently pending before the state Supreme Court, that challenged Crist's authority to conclude an agreement that allows the Seminoles to offer Las Vegas-style slot machines, blackjack and baccarat at its casinos in exchange for a minimum $100 million annual payment.

While the high court has not yet ruled on the case, the Seminoles have begun rolling out the Vegas-style slots -- introducing them at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood at the end of January -- and expect to begin offering table games in late Spring or early Summer.