Texas House Bill HB3811

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to the locations where a licensed authorized organization may conduct bingo.

Impact

The impact of HB 3811 would centralize and clarify the locations where bingo can be played within Texas, which may influence how local organizations plan their bingo fundraising and gaming activities. By limiting operations to certain counties, the bill seeks to prevent the expansion of bingo operations into unauthorized areas, thereby upholding the integrity and regulation of gaming practices in the state. The law, set to take effect on September 1, 2009, would necessitate adjustments by any organizations currently operating bingo games beyond the outlined regions.

Summary

House Bill 3811 amends the Occupations Code concerning the locations where licensed authorized organizations may conduct bingo. The bill specifies that such organizations can only operate bingo games within the county of their primary business office or in a contiguous county. If an organization does not have a business office, it is permitted to conduct bingo in the county of the principal residence of its chief executive officer or a contiguous county. This change aims to regulate the geographic scope of operations for licensed bingo operators more clearly and introduce state-level consistency in where these games can be conducted.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding HB 3811 centers on potential limitations it places on local bingo organizations. Some lawmakers and community advocates may argue that such restrictions could hinder local fundraisers or charity events that benefit community services. Additionally, there may be discussions about the access and availability of bingo events for individuals who rely on their locality's offerings, raising questions about the broader implications for funding and community support initiatives.