Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR137

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

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment, to be submitted to the voters of Texas for approval, authorizing the legislature to strictly regulate and authorize casino gaming and sports wagering by general law and establishing certain requirements for such law, including imposition of a tax on casino gaming and sports wagering revenue, requiring licensing of casino gaming and sports wagering operators, and requiring license application fees.

Impact

If approved, HJR137 will amend Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution, which currently prohibits lotteries and unauthorized gift enterprises. The proposed changes will significantly alter the state’s stance on gambling, allowing for state-regulated casino gaming and sports betting at a limited number of locations. The law will restrict casino activities to licensed physical establishments and will define the regulatory framework for gaming operations in Texas, aiming to ensure integrity and compliance with legal standards.

Summary

HJR137 proposes a constitutional amendment in Texas that would empower the Texas Legislature to regulate and authorize casino gaming and sports wagering through general law. This amendment allows the imposition of a tax on the revenue generated from these activities and mandates the licensing of operators involved in casino gaming and sports wagering. It establishes specific requirements for the legislation, including licensing fees, restrictions on the number of gaming facilities, and a process for negotiating gaming compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes.

Sentiment

Discussion around HJR137 is expected to be divided, reflecting various opinions on gambling in Texas. Supporters believe that legalizing and regulating casino gaming and sports wagering could enhance state revenue streams through taxation. They argue that regulated gaming can foster economic development and create jobs, while ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and responsibly. Opponents, however, may raise concerns about the potential social implications of expanding gambling access and argue for the importance of maintaining restrictions on gambling to protect community values.

Contention

Notable points of contention will likely center on the implications of such a measure for local communities. Critics may argue that while the potential revenue from legalized gaming is appealing, it risks exacerbating social issues related to gambling addiction. Additionally, there may be dissent regarding how effectively the regulatory framework can prevent illegal gaming operations and ensure accountability among licensed operators. Ultimately, the debate surrounding HJR137 will encapsulate broader conversations about the role of state versus local authority in regulating potentially harmful activities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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.

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

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 SJR39

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events.

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.