DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave lawmakers 120 days to prepare for the deadline. A bill taxing the machines could have allowed them to remain legal, but lawmakers did not pass legislation in time.

Now, lawmakers from both parties said they are still willing to work toward a solution, while disagreeing over how the process has unfolded.

State Rep. Russ Diamond, R-Lebanon, a member of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, said he expected skill games to be a major topic of discussion over the summer but did not see the negotiations he anticipated.

“I heard nothing from anyone,” Diamond said. “It truly is the worst part of Harrisburg, the political bickering and posturing. I’m so sick of it.”

Diamond introduced two house bills that would have taxed skill games at 20%. Those proposals were rejected by House Democrats.

Gov. Josh Shapiro offered another approach, recommending a 52% tax rate that would match the rate applied to traditional casino slot machines.

House Democratic leadership said it remains willing to negotiate a deal that would generate revenue for the state while establishing rules for the machines.

In a statement, Democrats said they “stand willing and eager to come to a reasonable resolution to the skill game issue that would both bring in new revenue and ensure a safe and equitable skill games framework.”

Senate Republican leadership also said it wants to reach an agreement, emphasizing that any proposal would need support from both chambers and the governor.

“It has always been our intent to find a framework to make gaming reform a reality and help communities across the Commonwealth,” Senate Republicans said. “Addressing this issue requires all parties coming together to reach a responsible and reasonable solution that can pass both chambers and be signed by the Governor.”

As for when lawmakers could reach a deal, Diamond said the legislative calendar could push the issue into the future.

“I think there is a possibility. But if you look at the legislative timeline, it’s kind of going to be at least six months out,” he said.

Diamond pointed to the November election, the swearing-in of lawmakers in January and the governor’s budget address in February as milestones that could affect the timeline.

The Pennsylvania House and Senate are scheduled to return to session on Oct. 19.