Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR34

Filed

Out of Senate Committee

Introduced

3/3/11

Voted on by Senate

Refer

3/16/11

Out of House Committee

Voted on by House

Sent toSOS

Proposed Const. Amend.

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Gaming Commission and authorizing and regulating casino games and slot machines by licensed operators and certain Indian tribes to provide money for the property tax relief fund and additional financial aid for higher education students.

Impact

Should SJR34 be enacted, it would significantly alter the landscape of the Texas gambling laws. The creation of the Texas Gaming Commission would provide a structured approach to managing gaming activities, including the issuance of licenses for operations. This adds a layer of accountability and oversight to the gaming industry that is currently lacking. By generating new revenue streams through taxation on gaming revenues, the bill could substantially contribute to financial resources for public services such as education funding, directly addressing economic needs.

Summary

SJR34 proposes a constitutional amendment that seeks to establish the Texas Gaming Commission with the aim of regulating casino gaming and slot machines throughout the state. The bill sets forth that licensed operators and certain Indian tribes can offer these gaming options, which is intended to fill the property tax relief fund and better support students in higher education. If passed, this amendment would alter current law prohibiting most forms of gambling, thereby allowing a new framework for gambling within Texas under strict regulation.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SJR34 is mixed. Proponents argue that the bill will foster economic growth, create job opportunities, and produce additional revenue for state programs. Supporters also view regulated casino gaming as a more responsible alternative to illegal gambling practices, highlighting potential local tourism benefits. Conversely, critics express concerns about the social implications of expanded gambling, including worries about addiction and the long-term societal impacts. Despite potential financial benefits, opposition is rooted in a belief that gambling could adversely affect community values and individual welfare.

Contention

A notable point of contention relates to the local control over gaming establishments. Under SJR34, while counties can hold elections to permit or deny casino gaming, the broader power lies with the Texas Gaming Commission. This raises questions about local governance versus state-imposed regulations. Furthermore, the initial fees and taxes associated with licensing might be viewed as burdensome to potential operators, and there are concerns about equitable access for communities that might wish to participate in or benefit from the gaming industry. The debate continues around finding a balance between regulatory oversight and local autonomy in decisions about gambling.

Latest TX SJR34 Activity

View All Events: TX 2011 - 82nd Regular SJR34

Companion Bills

TX HJR112

Identical Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Gaming Commission and authorizing and regulating casino games and slot machines by licensed operators and certain Indian tribes to provide money for the property tax relief fund and additional financial aid for higher education students.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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

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 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 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 HB4115

Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.

TX HJR27

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of and use of money in the Grow Texas fund and allocating certain general revenues to that fund, the economic stabilization fund, and the state highway fund.