Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR41

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Gaming Commission and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed owners and certain Indian tribes to provide money for the foundation school fund and additional financial aid for higher education students; authorizing fees; imposing a tax.

Impact

If enacted, SJR41 would amend Article III of the Texas Constitution to legalize and regulate casino gaming and slot machines, which has been a contentious subject within the state. The bill delineates the framework for the Texas Gaming Commission, which would oversee licensing and operational parameters for casinos. The funds generated from gaming operations would be allocated primarily to educational initiatives, potentially enhancing the financial landscape of state-funded education.

Summary

SJR41 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Gaming Commission and to authorize and regulate casino gaming and slot machines within Texas, specifically allowing licensed owners and certain Indian tribes to operate such gaming. The financial implications of this resolution target the foundation school fund and provide additional financial aid for higher education students. The introduction of this bill reflects a significant shift in Texas's legislative stance on gambling, moving towards a more regulated framework for casino operations.

Contention

The proposal is likely to encounter varied opinions among legislators, as gambling remains a divisive issue in Texas. Supporters argue that regulated casino operations could stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and generate tax revenue that directly benefits educational resources. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns about gambling-related social issues and the moral implications of expanded gambling access. Furthermore, there are stipulations within the bill concerning limits to the number of gaming establishments in a county and the requirement for local elections to approve casino operations, emphasizing a localized approach to implementing such significant changes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

Similar Bills

TX HJR131

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing immediate additional revenue for the state budget by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed operators and certain Indian tribes.

TX SB1118

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties.

TX HB2111

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties.

TX HB2729

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SB789

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties; authorizing fees.

TX SJR64

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing immediate additional revenue for the state budget by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed operators and certain Indian tribes.

TX SB1969

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

TX HB3926

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