Relating to the imposition and use of the admission fee to sexually oriented businesses; increasing the amount of a fee.
Impact
The bill specifies that five-eighths of the revenue generated from the new fee will be allocated to the sexual assault program fund, while three-eighths of the revenue will be directed toward a dedicated account for human trafficking prevention. This financial restructuring is intended to improve funding for local programs and grant initiatives that support victims and bolster enforcement efforts against human trafficking. With the increased funding, the expectation is that law enforcement agencies and advocacy groups will have more resources to pursue their missions effectively.
Summary
House Bill 3431 seeks to amend the existing provisions regarding the admission fee charged to customers of sexually oriented businesses in Texas. The bill proposes an increase in the fee from $5 to $8 per customer. This change aims to raise additional funds to support various programs aimed at addressing sexual assault and human trafficking within the state. By increasing the fee, the bill intends to enhance financial resources for critical initiatives that combat these pressing social issues.
Contention
Notably, while supporters of HB3431 argue that the planned revenue allocation will significantly strengthen the state's commitment to combating sexual assault and human trafficking, there may be concerns regarding the increased financial burden on businesses classified as sexually oriented. Critics may question whether raising the admission fee could potentially deter customers or lead to unintended consequences for these establishments. The discussions surrounding the bill will likely reflect divergent views on balancing regulatory measures with the operational realities of impacted businesses.
Relating to the amount of the fee imposed on certain sexually oriented businesses that is allocated to the sexual assault program fund and the allocation of certain other revenue to that fund; increasing the amount of 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 nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes and to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes.
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.