Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR31

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Sent toSOS
 
Proposed Const. Amend.
 

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SJR31 would amend Section 47 of Article III of the Texas Constitution, expanding the state's gambling laws to include casino gaming, alongside the existing regulation of lotteries. A new Texas Gaming Commission would be established to oversee the licensing and operation of casino facilities. The legislation delineates specific financial thresholds for casino projects, stipulating minimum investment amounts that aim to ensure only substantial developments are licensed. The overall objective is to bolster Texas's economy by attracting major entertainment ventures that would, in turn, generate tax revenues.

Summary

SJR31 proposes a constitutional amendment that would authorize and regulate the operation of slot machines and casino games by licensed operators and recognized Indian tribes in Texas. This legislation aims to generate additional financial resources specifically allocated for transportation funding and financial aid for higher education students within the state. By allowing casino gaming, the bill represents a significant shift in state policy regarding gambling and aims to create new revenue streams for public services.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding SJR31, particularly concerning local control over gambling regulations. Although the bill mandates local elections to gauge community approval for casino operations, concerns have been raised about the potential for increased gambling addiction and how the revenue generated will be utilized effectively. Opponents argue that the social implications of expanding gambling could overshadow the projected economic benefits, and they advocate for a cautious approach that balances financial aspiration with community welfare.

Companion Bills

TX HJR70

Identical 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.

TX SB1084

Enabled by 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.

Previously Filed As

TX SJR17

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth and to provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety by creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing and regulating casino gaming at a limited number of destination resorts and facilities licensed by the commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring occupational licenses to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a tax.

TX HJR155

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, support the horse racing industry, and reform horse racing and greyhound racing by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, authorizing sports wagering, authorizing Tribal-State compacts with federally recognized Indian tribes, and creating the Texas Gaming Commission to regulate casino gaming and sports wagering; requiring a license to conduct casino gaming; and requiring the imposition of a casino gaming tax, sports wagering tax, and license application 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 HJR97

Proposing a constitutional amendment to foster economic development and job growth, provide tax relief and funding for education and public safety programs, and reform and support the horse racing industry by authorizing casino gaming at destination resorts, creating the Texas Gaming Commission, authorizing sports wagering, requiring a license to conduct casino gaming, and requiring the imposition of a gaming and sports wagering tax and license application fees.

TX HJR105

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of five casinos in this state by licensed persons in certain counties that have approved casino gaming to provide funding for public education; providing for the requirement of occupational licenses, the authorization of fees, the imposition of a tax, and the provision of 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 SJR90

Proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas by authorizing it to conduct gaming on certain lands under state law.

TX HJR156

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the governor to negotiate and execute gaming compacts with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and to authorize those tribes to sue this state if the governor fails to negotiate in good faith.

TX HJR77

Proposing a constitutional amendment to permit additional uses of certain dedicated general revenue transferred each fiscal year to the state highway fund.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.