Texas House Bill HB1474

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 4/22/09
• Voted on by House: 5/2/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/15/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/26/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Report Pass: 5/15/09
• Enrolled: 5/29/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to the operation and regulation of charitable bingo and the use of bingo proceeds.

Impact

The passage of HB 1474 will lead to significant updates in the way bingo is regulated across Texas. Enhanced requirements for license applicants, particularly focusing on criminal background checks and operational transparency, aim to safeguard against fraud and ensure that bingo proceeds are used for designated charitable activities. Furthermore, it introduces adjustments to the operational guidelines for bingo organizations, which may lead to a more uniform application of regulations statewide.

Summary

House Bill 1474 addresses the operation and regulation of charitable bingo within the state. It aims to amend various sections of the Occupations Code to streamline the licensing process and enhance the oversight of bingo operations. The bill introduces definitions for terms like 'bingo chairperson' and clarifies the responsibilities that come with bingo licenses. Additionally, it emphasizes that organizations engaging in bingo must direct proceeds towards authorized charitable purposes, reinforcing the integrity of such gaming activities.

Contention

Despite its intention to improve the operation of charitable bingo, the bill's emphasis on regulation and oversight has raised concerns among some stakeholders within the charitable gaming community. Opinions are divided regarding the adequacy of the proposed measures and the perceived burden they may place on smaller organizations, which might struggle to comply with the heightened regulatory framework. While some see the need for tighter controls to prevent misuse, others argue that the adjustments could hinder charitable activities reliant on bingo as a fundraising mechanism.