The abolishment of the state lottery would have immediate consequences for various state-funded programs that rely on lottery revenues, particularly the Foundation School Program, which supports public education funding. By terminating the lottery, the bill could result in a substantial budgetary gap that may necessitate increased taxation or alternative funding sources for affected programs. Legislators and stakeholders in education and social welfare may express concern regarding the sustainability of state funding without the revenue from lottery operations. Additionally, there may be implications for employees within the lottery commission and connected businesses that benefit from the lottery system.
Summary
House Bill 2918 seeks to abolish the state lottery in Texas, aiming to eliminate all regulations and activities related to lottery operations within the state. This bill modifies several sections of the Government Code, particularly those that currently establish the framework for the Texas Lottery Commission and its operational guidelines. The projected effective date for the abolishment is set for September 1, 2025, providing a timeline for the transition and finalization of lottery operations and prize distributions to ensure no outstanding obligations remain. The bill reflects a significant shift in state gambling policy and indicates a move towards different financial management for state programs that currently benefit from lottery revenues.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB 2918 may highlight points of contention among lawmakers and community advocates. Supporters of the bill might argue that the lottery promotes gambling addiction and that its abolishment could lead to a healthier state economy. Opponents, however, could raise concerns regarding the loss of established funding for essential state services and the impacts on local economies that have adapted to lottery operations. Furthermore, the transition plan included within the bill aims to address the logistical details of terminating the lottery, managing outstanding prizes, and ensuring compliance with financial obligations, potentially sparking debate over the adequacy of these measures.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Government Code
Chapter 467. Texas Lottery Commission
Section: New Section
Section: 024
Section: 031
Section: 035
Section: 101
Section: 108
Section: 111
Section: 030
Chapter 411. Department Of Public Safety Of The State Of Texas
Relating to the review date for certain governmental entities subject to the sunset review process and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission.
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.
Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.
A bill for an act relating to education, including by modifying provisions related to mandatory reporting to the board of educational examiners of certain specified school employees, complaints against school employees and the investigation of complaints against school employees, and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners. (Formerly HSB 568.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.
A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly HSB 566.)
A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(Formerly SSB 3041.)
A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See SF 2365.)
A bill for an act relating to education by modifying provisions related to a process for investigating complaints against school employees and the responsibilities of the department of education and the board of educational examiners.(See HF 2151.)
Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.
Relating to the creation of the office of inspector general for education at the Texas Education Agency to investigate the administration of public education and required reporting on misconduct by employees of certain educational entities; creating a criminal offense; increasing an administrative penalty; authorizing an administrative penalty.