By: Kuempel H.B. No. 4416
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the establishment of the Texas Gaming Commission to
regulate games of chance or other gaming activities at specific
locations including dog or horse tracks, destination resort
casinos, or on Indian tribal lands.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subtitle E, Title 4, Government Code, is amended
by adding Chapter 470 to read as follows:
CHAPTER 470. TEXAS GAMING COMMISSION.
Sec. 470.001. COMPOSITION OF COMMISSION. The Texas Gaming
Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor who
each serve a term of two years. Five members serve terms that
expire February 15 of each odd numbered year and four members serve
terms that expire February 15 of each even numbered year. The
governor shall designate one member a presiding officer of the
commission.
Sec. 470.002. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR; STAFF. The commission may
employ an executive director and other staff as necessary to carry
out its duties under this chapter.
Sec. 470.003. POWERS OF COMMISSION. The commission shall
provide for the licensing of persons to conduct games of chance or
any other gaming activity, including slot machines, at a specified
location, including a dog or horse race track, a destination resort
casino, Indian tribal land, or any other location determined
appropriate by the commission.
Sec. 470.004. LOCAL OPTION ELECTION. The commission may
condition a license under this chapter for a location on the
approval of the gaming activity at an election held in a defined
area that contains the location.
Sec. 470.005. DEDICATION OF REVENUES. From the revenue the
state receives from the operation of a location licensed under this
chapter:
(1) one-quarter is dedicated to public education;
(2) one-quarter is dedicated to transportation; and
(3) the remainder shall be deposited to the credit of
the general revenue fund.
Sec. 470.006. RULES. The commission may adopt rules as
necessary to implement this chapter.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect January 1, 2009, but only
if the constitutional amendment adding Section 47a, Article III,
Texas Constitution, authorizing and regulating games of chance or
other gaming activities at specific locations is approved by the
voters. If that amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act
has no effect.