Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB 1183 significantly impacts state laws regarding gambling by providing a legal channel for local governments to address the presence of eight-liners. It introduces a fee structure for eight-liner owners, which requires them to pay an annual fee of $350 for each device. The bill also specifies the revenue allocation from these fees, with 70% directed to the municipality or county where the device operates, while 30% goes to the general revenue fund. This regulatory approach aims to streamline the management of these devices while generating revenue for local governments.
Summary
House Bill 1183 aims to regulate the operation of eight-liners, which are electronic gaming devices similar to slot machines, by establishing a framework for local option elections. The bill allows local governments to hold elections to decide whether to legalize or prohibit these devices in their jurisdictions. It stipulates that local option elections can be initiated by a petition from qualified voters and outlines the specific procedures that must be followed for such elections. The adoption of the bill would empower voters in different political subdivisions to have control over the presence of these gaming devices within their communities.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around HB 1183 appears to be divided among stakeholders. Supporters, particularly from local government entities, view the bill as an effort to respect community preferences through democratic voting while ensuring local revenue generation. However, critics, including various advocacy groups, remain concerned about potential negative impacts of legalizing additional gambling options, arguing that the bill could exacerbate social issues associated with gambling, including addiction and crime.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1183 center on the regulation of gambling and local autonomy versus broader state control. Proponents argue that local elections will allow communities to decide what is best for them, while opponents challenge the appropriateness of introducing more gambling devices into the state’s recreational landscape. The overall debate reflects deeper societal divisions over gambling, regulation, and local governance.
Enabling for
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners.
TX SB1245
Identical
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners or similar gaming devices; authorizing a fee.
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.
Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.
Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and imposing a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of amusement redemption machines and imposing a fee on amusement redemption machines; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners and the imposition of a fee on eight-liner owners; providing penalties.