TX
Texas Senate Bill SJR39

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR39

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

Impact

The potential impact of SJR39 extends beyond the Tribe itself, as it alters the gaming landscape in Texas. If enacted, the legislation would allow the Tribe to offer various forms of gaming, including video lottery terminals and other gaming devices, so long as they align with state law and are conducted on tribal land. This compact uniquely positions the Tribe to participate in and benefit from the gaming industry, potentially providing economic development opportunities for the Tribe while also potentially influencing neighboring jurisdictions as they may compete or collaborate in gaming regulations. Additionally, the bill emphasizes a regulatory environment that balances state oversight with tribal sovereignty, thus fostering a cooperative relationship between the two entities.

Summary

SJR39 proposes a constitutional amendment that authorizes the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by entering into a gaming agreement with the State of Texas. This bill amends Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution by adding Section 47a, allowing the Tribe to execute a gaming compact that outlines the specifics of their gaming operations. The resolution aims to regulate the gaming activities conducted by the Tribe while recognizing its status as a federally recognized entity with sovereign powers. The compact includes provisions for the licensing and regulation of gaming activities and establishes tax and fee limitations on the Tribe's operations.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SJR39 may arise from concerns about the implications of expanded gaming rights and the balance of regulatory authority. While supporters argue that the bill promotes economic growth and provides the Tribe with necessary revenue streams, critics may contend that it could lead to an increase in gambling-related issues or addiction within the community. Moreover, the exclusivity granted to the Tribe in the gaming agreement raises questions about fairness and competition among other gaming establishments in the state. As local and state governments weigh the benefits of such amendments against their societal impacts, discussions on the responsible governance of expanded gaming rights will likely continue.

Latest SJR39 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HJR59

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR84

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR30

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR90

Proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas by authorizing it to conduct gaming on certain lands under state law.

TX HJR156

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the governor to negotiate and execute gaming compacts with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and to authorize those tribes to sue this state if the governor fails to negotiate in good faith.

TX HJR155

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, support the horse racing industry, and reform horse racing and greyhound racing by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, authorizing sports wagering, authorizing Tribal-State compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes, and creating the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering; requiring a license to conduct casino gaming; and requiring the imposition of a casino gaming tax, sports wagering tax, and license application fees.

TX HR2499

Recognizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

TX HB2843

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming and sports wagering in this state, to the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, to the support of the horse racing industry and reform of horse racing and greyhound racing, and to other provisions related to gambling; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing taxes; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses.

TX SJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax.

TX HJR105

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of five casinos in this state by licensed persons in certain counties that have approved casino gaming to provide funding for public education; providing for the requirement of occupational licenses, the authorization of fees, the imposition of a tax, and the provision of criminal penalties.

TX HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

Similar Bills

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX HJR112

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX HJR98

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX SJR40

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR113

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX SJR54

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR68

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.