Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB1308

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

Caption

Relating to certain gaming activity conducted by an Indian tribe or tribal organization.

Impact

The proposed changes would directly impact the regulatory framework for gaming in Texas, allowing recognized Indian tribes greater freedom to operate gaming activities legally. This aligns Texas law with existing federal provisions that recognize tribal rights to conduct gaming, thereby reducing potential legal conflicts between state and tribal policies. The amendment enables tribal organizations to establish and participate in gaming operations on their designated land, fostering economic development within tribal communities.

Summary

House Bill 1308 seeks to amend the Texas Penal Code concerning gaming activities conducted by Indian tribes or tribal organizations. The bill establishes defenses against prosecution for certain gaming activities that align with both state and federal regulations, particularly those outlined in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. By doing so, the legislation clarifies that authorized gaming conducted by federally recognized tribes will not be subject to prosecution under Texas law, provided it complies with related statutes governing such activities.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill's provisions may raise concerns among various stakeholders regarding the implications for state control over gaming activities. Critics may argue that broader allowances for tribal gaming could lead to increased competition with non-tribal businesses and alter the landscape of gaming revenue distributions in Texas. Additionally, discussions around the bill might explore the balance between encouraging tribal economic development and safeguarding state interests in regulation and revenue concerning gaming activities.

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 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 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 SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB3081

Relating to the deregulation of certain activities and occupations.

TX HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB1719

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.