Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas House Bill HB3576

Voted on by House
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the operation of casino gaming in this state by federally recognized Indian tribes on certain land and by licensed operators at horse and greyhound racetracks and licensed locations; providing penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB 3576 significantly alters the landscape of gambling laws in Texas by enabling federally recognized tribes to operate casino games legally. This includes authorizing gaming on Indian lands explicitly recognized by the state, which has implications for both economic development and sovereignty. The bill allows tribes to enter into gaming compacts with the state, thereby formalizing the regulatory relationship and ensuring that tribes adhere to state-administered standards. The revenue generated from these operations, including an established fee structure based on gross gaming revenue, will enhance economic opportunities not only for the tribes but could also provide additional funding for state initiatives and local governments.

Summary

House Bill 3576 seeks to establish a structured framework for the operation of casino gaming in Texas by federally recognized Indian tribes on specified tribal lands. The bill provides comprehensive definitions relating to casino gaming, including what constitutes a casino game and outlines the necessary certifications required for casino operators, vendors, and employees. It also delineates the powers of the Texas Lottery Commission concerning oversight and regulation, aiming to promote fair play and protect the interests of the public. If enacted, this legislation will facilitate the legal operation of casino games on tribal lands, as well as by licensed operators in racetracks, allowing for a broader range of legalized gambling in the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 3576 appears mixed, with support from advocates of tribal sovereignty and economic opportunity contrasting against the concerns of opponents who may fear the broader implications of expanding casino gaming. Supporters argue that this legislation is a necessary step toward empowering tribes and acknowledging their rights to establish independent economic ventures. Meanwhile, detractors express unease regarding potential social issues related to gambling, emphasizing the need for stringent regulatory practices to mitigate associated risks.

Contention

Key points of contention related to HB 3576 focus on the regulatory power allotted to the Texas Lottery Commission versus the tribes’ autonomy. Some stakeholders may argue that the provisions related to administrative penalties and requirements for certificates could overreach into tribal sovereignty. Furthermore, discussions may arise regarding the implications of revenue sharing with the state and local governments, particularly concerning how these funds will be used and the impact on communities nearby tribal gaming operations. The bill’s success may hinge not only on its content but also on the negotiation of interests between state officials and tribal leaders.

Companion Bills

TX HJR152

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of casino games in this state by federally recognized Indian tribes on certain land and by licensed operators at horse and greyhound racetracks and licensed locations.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 HB1568

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing 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 SB765

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

CA SB1483

Department of Consumer Affairs: Bureau of Household Goods and Services: electronic and appliance repair, home furnishings, and thermal insulation.

MI HB4600

Marihuana: administration; spouses of applicants for licensure who hold certain positions in certain governmental bodies; prohibit the cannabis regulatory agency from denying an application based on. Amends sec. 7 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27957).

MI HB4049

Marihuana: administration; spouses of applicants for licensure who hold certain positions in certain governmental bodies; prohibit the cannabis regulatory agency from denying an application based on. Amends sec. 7 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27957).

MI HB5529

Marihuana: other; cannabis regulatory agency; allow to operate a marihuana reference laboratory and to collect, transport, possess, test, and perform research with marihuana. Amends sec. 7 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27957).

MI HB4501

Marihuana: other; cannabis regulatory agency; allow to operate a marihuana reference laboratory and to collect, transport, possess, test, and perform research with marihuana. Amends sec. 7 of 2018 IL 1 (MCL 333.27957).

CA SB1438

Physical Therapy Board of California.

CA AB601

Correctional industry safety committee.

CA AB912

People with disabilities: pilot civil service apprenticeship program: environmental service technicians: correctional facilities.