Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR34

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

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

Impact

The approval of SJR34 would have significant implications for both state and tribal laws regarding gaming. Specifically, it allows the Kickapoo Tribe to offer gaming operations similar to those authorized for other gaming venues within Texas, assuming that no new forms of gaming are permitted by the state within a specified distance of the tribe’s reservation. This exclusivity is seen as a crucial financial opportunity for the Tribe, enabling them to contribute three percent of their gaming revenues to the state while benefiting from a protected business environment.

Summary

SJR34 is a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to engage in gaming activities through a formal agreement with the State of Texas. This bill seeks to modify Section 47 of Article III in the Texas Constitution, allowing the tribe to enter into a gaming compact with the state, which would regulate the types of gaming the tribe can conduct. The resolution provides a framework for licensing individuals involved in this gaming arrangement, thus establishing a regulated gaming environment on tribal lands.

Contention

Despite the potential benefits, there are aspects of SJR34 that may spark contention among various stakeholders. Critics may argue that establishing a gaming agreement could lead to broader access to gambling in the state, raising concerns over gambling-related social issues such as addiction and its potential increase among vulnerable populations. Additionally, there may be debates regarding the fairness of the revenue share between the tribe and the state and whether the terms of this compact sufficiently protect the interests of both parties.

Companion Bills

TX HJR22

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

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 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 HJR156

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the governor to negotiate and execute gaming compacts with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and to authorize those tribes to sue this state if the governor fails to negotiate in good faith.

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 HR2499

Recognizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas.

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 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 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 HJR102

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to legalize wagering in this state on certain sporting events and requiring the legislature to dedicate to property tax relief at least 98 percent of the net state tax revenue generated from the wagering on sporting events.

Similar Bills

TX HJR112

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX HJR113

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX SJR54

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX SJR40

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR98

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR68

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.