Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3926

Caption

Relating to the regulation of horse racing and greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering in connection with that racing.

Impact

By revising the existing legal framework, HB3926 impacts various aspects of state laws concerning the operation of racetracks and the treatment of wages collected through wagering. It emphasizes the need for racetrack associations to establish valid contracts with horsemen’s organizations for sharing commission from purpose-driven wagering. Additionally, the bill allocates portions of the state's share of the wagering pool to support various programs, including assistance for law enforcement and financial aid for veterans. This redistribution is intended to bolster community welfare and improve industry regulation.

Summary

House Bill 3926 focuses on the regulation of horse racing and greyhound racing in Texas, particularly in relation to pari-mutuel wagering. The bill amends portions of the Texas Racing Act to clarify terms, enhance regulatory measures, and introduce new forms of wagering, including 'purpose-driven pari-mutuel wagering.' This new form allows for betting on previously conducted races based on official results. The amendments aim to modernize the racing regulations, ensuring they meet current standards for both participants and facilities involved in horse and greyhound racing.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB3926 appears to be positive as it seeks to enhance regulatory oversight while promoting equitable financial practices within the racing industry. Supporters view the bill favorably, as it aims to secure funding for essential public services while revitalizing the horse and greyhound racing sectors in Texas. However, some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the potential impact of increased regulatory oversight and any implications it may have on smaller racetrack operators or animal welfare considerations.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential complexities involved in the new contracts mandated between racetrack associations and horsemen's organizations, which could affect local operations and practices. Stakeholders in the racing community might argue about the degree of oversight the commission will enforce and whether the proposed distribution of funds appropriately balances supporting the industry with public welfare needs. Consequently, these discussions may lead to debates on how to best ensure the integrity of the racing industry while maintaining community support.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4115

Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

TX HB4100

Relating to the regulation of wagering through telephone, the Internet, or other approved electronic means on horse races and greyhound races under the pari-mutuel system of wagering; requiring a license to operate account wagering; requiring a fee.

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 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 SB2633

Relating to the regulation of horse and greyhound racing by the Texas Racing Commission.

TX HJR97

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

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 HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

TX HB2550

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

Similar Bills

TX SB1969

Relating to the nonsubstantive revision of the Texas Racing Act, including conforming amendments.

TX SB1920

Relating to the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks and the distribution of certain live, simulcast, and historical pari-mutuel pools.

TX HB2731

Relating to the regulation of historical racing pari-mutuel wagering by licensed horse and greyhound racetracks and the distribution of certain live, simulcast, and historical pari-mutuel pools.

TX HB4396

Relating to distributions to the state greyhound breed registry.

TX HB2375

Relating to the authorization of racetrack extension locations, providing rulemaking authority to the commission and comptroller, and providing for administrative penalties.

TX HB5013

Relating to the Texas Racing Commission and the regulation of dog races, including greyhound races, as live events in this state and of simulcast wagering on greyhound races conducted out of state.

TX SB1450

Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Racing Commission and the transfer of its powers and duties to the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SB704

Relating to the transfer of the regulation of racing to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the abolishment of the Texas Racing Commission, and the creation of the Texas Racing Advisory Board, following recommendations of the Sunset Advisory Commission.