TX
Texas House Bill HB75

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas House Bill HB75

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

Caption

Relating to the licensing and regulation of amusement redemption machines at certain locations; providing criminal penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB75 aims to impact existing state law by imposing specific regulations and licensing requirements on venues that operate amusement redemption machines. By requiring a location license from the comptroller, the bill enforces a level of oversight that was previously unavailable, addressing concerns regarding illegal gambling activities and ensuring compliance with state guidelines. The annual licensing fee is set at $500, reinforcing the state’s commitment to regulating this sector and potentially generating revenue through licensing.

Summary

House Bill 75 seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the licensing and operation of amusement redemption machines in the state of Texas. This legislation specifically requires locations that operate such machines to apply for a location license, which permits up to ten machines under a single roof. The bill outlines the necessary information that must be included in the application, including the physical address of the premises and details about the ownership of the machines. This regulatory measure is intended to provide oversight and accountability in the operation of amusement machines, which have drawn concern over fairness and income generation in certain areas.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is its associated criminal penalties for non-compliance. The legislation establishes that operating more than ten machines without a location license can result in charges ranging from a Class A misdemeanor to a state jail felony, particularly if the machines are found in violation of other regulatory stipulations. This raises potential concerns among business owners about the financial and operational implications of the new rules. Additionally, opponents of the bill could argue that it may impose undue restrictions on small businesses that wish to provide recreational activities, thus prompting a debate about the balance between regulation and local economic growth.

Companion Bills

TX SB309

Identical Relating to the licensing and regulation of amusement redemption machines at certain locations; providing penalties.

Previously Filed As

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.

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 HB3890

Relating to the regulation and voluntary licensing of reroofing contractors by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; providing administrative and civil penalties; authorizing 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 SB895

Relating to the regulation of money services businesses; creating a criminal offense; creating administrative penalties; authorizing the imposition of a fee.

TX HB2324

Relating to the regulation of certain health professionals and health facilities; providing civil and administrative penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2226

Relating to state and municipal motor fuel taxes; providing civil penalties; creating criminal offenses; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing the imposition of taxes; providing for increases and decreases in the rates of taxes.

TX HB350

Relating to the establishment of a registry for and requiring the registration of certain unmanned teller machines; imposing a fee; providing a civil penalty.

TX SB337

Relating to the establishment of a registry for and requiring the registration of certain unmanned teller machines; imposing a fee; providing a civil penalty.

Similar Bills

TX HB1524

Relating to correcting outdated references to the Texas Building and Procurement Commission.

TX SB2208

Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.

TX SB212

Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.

TX HB1989

Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.

NJ ACR95

Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide for elected State Comptroller and eliminate Office of State Auditor.

NJ ACR104

Proposes amendment to State Constitution to provide for elected State Comptroller and eliminate Office of State Auditor.

TX HB3613

Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.

TX SB633

Relating to certain event trust funds and the abolishment of the special event trust fund.