Texas House Bill HJR137

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 5/5/09

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize and regulate the conduct of gaming in this state in counties that by local option election approve the conduct of that gaming and authorizing the conduct of gaming by certain Indian tribes.

Impact

If passed, HJR137 would lead to substantial changes in state laws concerning gaming regulations. The establishment of a state agency to oversee the gaming activities would centralize the management of gaming operations, setting standards for the industry, and ensuring compliance with state laws. Additionally, any generated revenue from authorized gaming activities would be managed according to the provisions set by the legislature, which could potentially provide significant financial benefits to local and state governments.

Summary

HJR137 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would authorize the legislature to legalize and regulate gaming activities in specified locations, such as dog or horse race tracks, destination resort casinos, and Indian tribal lands. The amendment aims to expand gaming options in the state by allowing for a broader range of gaming activities beyond what is currently permitted under Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution. This bill also implies that the approval for such activities could be conditioned on local option elections, giving municipalities a say in whether or not gaming should be established in their area.

Contention

Despite the potential economic benefits presented by proponents of HJR137, the bill is expected to face opposition. Critics may argue that allowing expanded gaming could lead to negative social consequences, including addiction and associated economic problems. Furthermore, the debate over local control could become a notable point of contention, as communities may have differing opinions on whether to approve gaming in their jurisdictions through local option elections. This divergence may also lead to tensions between local needs and state-level interests in revenue generation from gaming.