Texas House Bill HB4018

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Caption

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of amusement redemption machines and imposing a fee on amusement redemption machines; providing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 4018 grants extensive authority to local governments, allowing them to directly influence the presence and regulation of amusement redemption machines based on public sentiment. This represents a shift in how gambling laws are approached at the local level, potentially creating a patchwork of regulations across Texas, where some counties may opt for legalization and others may choose prohibition. The bill also introduces provisions for revenue sharing with counties, allocating a percentage of vendor fees to local jurisdictions, thereby providing an economic incentive for local control of the gaming industry.

Summary

House Bill 4018 focuses on the regulation of amusement redemption machines in Texas, proposing a framework for local option elections to either legalize or prohibit these machines within specific political subdivisions. The bill stipulates that local elections may be initiated upon petition by voters, allowing them to decide on the presence of such gaming devices, which include the commonly known 'Eight-Liners'. The bill ensures that if an area votes to legalize these machines, they become subject to certain operational guidelines, including licensing requirements and auditing by the Texas State Lottery Commission.

Contention

Some points of contention surrounding HB 4018 include concerns over the fairness and practicality of local elections on such issues, with critics arguing that this could lead to inconsistent regulations that complicate enforcement and compliance for operators. Proponents, however, argue that local control is essential for addressing community values and needs regarding gambling activities. The bill's provisions on penalties for non-compliance with licensing and operational requirements indicate a strong intention to regulate this sector closely, which may come under scrutiny by both advocates for public health and gambling proponents.