Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1084

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Voted on by Senate

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Governor Action

Bill Becomes Law

Caption

Relating to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in this state, the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, and the powers and duties of the Texas Racing Commission; providing penalties.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts existing state laws by introducing a comprehensive legal framework for gaming operations. It necessitates the revising of the Texas Racing Act to accommodate casino regulations and the establishment of a dedicated funding mechanism through a casino and slot gaming fund. This fund will support both the operational costs of the commission and provide financial aid for higher education through allocated gaming tax revenues. Local governments will have a say in whether casinos may operate in their areas, as evidenced by local option elections that must approve all gaming activities within a county.

Summary

SB1084 pertains to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in Texas, establishing the Texas Gaming Commission's powers and duties along with the Texas Racing Commission. The bill outlines licensing requirements, the structure of the gaming industry, and standards for the operation of casinos and slot gaming establishments. It also includes provisions for determining the suitability of license applicants, emphasizing the importance of a clean record in terms of felony convictions and previous gambling violations. The legislation aims to create a regulated environment to manage casino operations effectively and ensure that they align with state laws.

Contention

Notably, SB1084 raises several points of contention among various stakeholders. Advocates for the bill view it as an essential step towards modernizing Texas's gaming landscape, hoping to generate revenue through regulated gambling, create jobs, and enhance local economies. Conversely, opponents argue that expanding gambling could exacerbate social issues, such as addiction and crime. This debate is amplified by the bill's provisions that mandate the establishment of funds for problem gambling treatment and research, indicating recognition of potential adverse impacts.

Latest SB1084 Activity

Companion Bills

TX HB1724

Identical Relating to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in this state, the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, and the powers and duties of the Texas Racing Commission; providing penalties.

TX SJR31

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing and regulating slot machines and casino games by licensed operators and certain Indian tribes to provide additional money to fund transportation in this state and to provide additional financial aid for higher education students.

Similar Bills

TX HB1724

TX HB4237

Relating to the authorization, licensing, and regulation of casino gaming in this state and the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission; imposing and authorizing administrative and civil penalties; imposing a tax; imposing and authorizing fees; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses; making an appropriation.

TX HB382

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB222

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

TX HB292

Relating to the authorization and regulation of poker gaming and the duties of the Texas Lottery Commission; providing civil and criminal penalties.

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 HB4062

Relating to authorizing the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to providing a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties.

TX HB2729

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed horse and greyhound racetrack operators, to a defense for the operation of video lottery by Indian tribes, to the authority of the Texas Lottery Commission and the Texas Racing Commission, and to the conduct of gambling in this state; providing penalties; authorizing fees.