Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR64

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

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing immediate additional revenue for the state budget by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed operators and certain Indian tribes.

Impact

The bill's enactment would significantly modify existing state laws prohibiting most forms of gambling by allowing the regulation and licensing of casinos and slot machines. Licensed operators and certain Indian tribes could operate these gaming establishments under the commission's oversight. The resolution grants the Texas Gaming Commission broad authority to regulate gaming activities, which also includes the imposition of taxes on gaming revenues, contributing to various state funds, including property tax relief and educational programs.

Summary

SJR64 proposes a constitutional amendment to establish the Texas Gaming Commission, designed to regulate casino and slot gaming in the state. The aim of this resolution is to generate additional revenue for the state budget, specifically for funding property tax relief and providing financial aid to higher education students. This legislative move seeks to create a structured environment for gaming operations, facilitating both economic growth and educational financial support.

Sentiment

The discussion around SJR64 reflects a mixture of optimism and concern. Proponents argue that regulated gaming will create jobs, stimulate tourism, and generate substantial funding for public services. Conversely, opponents raise ethical concerns regarding gambling's social impacts and potential risks of addiction. This divergence in sentiment illustrates a significant divide among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the perceived benefits and harms of legalized gaming in Texas.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the structure of the Texas Gaming Commission, the specifics of tax allocations from gaming revenues, and how local counties can legalize gaming through elections. The bill includes provisions that prevent local governments from imposing additional taxes on gaming winnings, which has raised questions regarding local autonomy versus state control. Additionally, the inclusion of Indian tribes in the gaming framework presents complex legal considerations about federal and state jurisdictions in regulating tribal gaming operations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 SJR90

Proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas by authorizing it to conduct gaming on certain lands under state law.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.

TX HJR33

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for an annual state budget and annual legislative sessions for budget purposes.

Similar Bills

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Gaming Commission and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed owners and certain Indian tribes to provide money for the foundation school fund and additional financial aid for higher education students; authorizing fees; imposing a tax.

TX HJR131

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing immediate additional revenue for the state budget by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, and authorizing and regulating the operation of casino games and slot machines by a limited number of licensed operators and certain Indian tribes.

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LA HB537

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CA AB244

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LA HB1347

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IN SB0231

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LA SB5

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