TX
Texas Senate Bill SB2104

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB2104

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

Caption

Relating to the operation of video lottery games by licensed operators for certain veterans organizations; providing penalties.

Impact

The proposed bill is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning gaming, particularly in how video lottery operations are regulated. By establishing a formal structure for video lottery games, SB2104 aims to reinvest the generated revenue into supporting veterans' services, specifically mental health services. The bill dictates that a percentage of the net terminal income derived from these games must be allocated to a special account designated for veterans assistance. This systemic change is designed to enhance resources available for veterans while simultaneously regulating the gaming activities to safeguard fairness and integrity.

Summary

SB2104, known as the Video Lottery Games for Veterans Organizations Act, seeks to facilitate the authorized operation of video lottery games by licensed operators, specifically targeting qualified veterans organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion. This legislation aims to enhance the operational framework surrounding video lottery systems while ensuring strong regulatory oversight by the Texas Lottery Commission. The bill mandates that video lottery vendors must be licensed to conduct games on the premises of approved organizations, creating a regulated environment to support veterans through gaming revenues.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked discussions regarding the ethical implications of expanding gambling initiatives as a funding mechanism for veterans support. Critics may argue that relying on gambling revenue can lead to potential societal problems, including gambling addiction and the moral considerations of using gaming as a source of income for veterans' assistance. Proponents, however, emphasize that this structured approach mitigates some risks associated with unregulated gaming while providing vital funding for services that directly benefit veterans. This dichotomy of perspectives underscores the continued debate around the effectiveness and morality of legalized gambling as a financial resource in Texas.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB903

Relating to the operation of a quick draw lottery game; requiring an occupational license.

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 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 HB1568

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HJR84

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR30

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SB765

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.