TX
Texas House Bill HB137

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Texas House Bill HB137

Filed
11/12/12  
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the information reported to the comptroller by a coin-operated machine license holder, the penalty for failure to report that information, the penalty for gambling promotion, and the prosecution of certain gambling offenses.

Impact

The adjustments made by HB 137 will have a direct impact on the accountability of coin-operated machine businesses. By mandating clear reporting requirements, the bill seeks to improve oversight of how these machines are used and potentially mitigate illegal gambling activities associated with their operation. It introduces changes in the penalties related to inadequate reporting, elevating certain offenses to state jail felonies, which reflects an increased seriousness with which the legislature is treating gambling-related activities.

Summary

House Bill 137 focuses on the regulation of coin-operated machine license holders, specifically addressing the information they are required to report to the state comptroller. Key changes proposed by the bill include stricter requirements for maintaining records concerning each machine’s details and location, the assignment of penalties for failure to report that information, and the enhanced penalties for promoting gambling. These updates aim to provide clarity and accountability regarding the operation of coin-operated machines within Texas, which are often associated with gambling activities.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 137 is the balance between regulatory enforcement and industry compliance costs. While supporters of the bill argue that it will create a more regulated and fair environment for legal coin-operated machine businesses, opponents may raise concerns about the potential financial burden these requirements impose on smaller operators. This tension highlights the ongoing challenges of regulating gambling-related activities while ensuring that local businesses are not unduly stifled by administrative requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2330

Relating to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX HB3649

Relating to the definitions of the criminal offenses of gambling, the prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, gambling promotion, and keeping a gambling place.

TX SB1680

Relating to the definitions of the criminal offenses of gambling, the prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, gambling promotion, and keeping a gambling place.

TX HB2345

Relating to definitions for purposes of gambling criminal offenses and the prosecution of the criminal offenses of gambling, gambling promotion, and keeping a gambling place.

TX HB1316

Relating to the prosecution and punishment of certain criminal offenses involving the smuggling of persons or the operation of a stash house; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB1427

Relating to certain criminal conduct and organizations that threaten the security of this state and its residents and borders; increasing criminal penalties.

TX SB645

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB1709

Relating to the prosecution of the offenses of sedition and engaging in organized criminal activity; increasing criminal penalties.

TX HB6

Relating to the designation of fentanyl poisoning or fentanyl toxicity for purposes of the death certificate and to the criminal penalties for certain controlled substance offenses; increasing a criminal penalty.

TX SB465

Relating to certain criminal conduct involving a catalytic converter; creating a criminal offense; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.