Relating to the mixed beverage tax imposed on certain venues that present live music; authorizing a fee; decreasing the rate of a tax.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will directly influence the financial operations of bars and nightclubs throughout Texas, particularly those that host live music events on a regular basis. By creating an avenue for venues to apply for this new classification, the bill is expected to promote economic development and artistic growth within communities while potentially increasing attendance at live music events, thereby benefiting related businesses.
Summary
House Bill 3095 aims to amend the existing mixed beverage tax structure in Texas, specifically targeting venues that present live music. Under the new provisions, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants can apply to be classified as live music presenters, which would allow them to benefit from a reduced mixed beverage tax rate from 14% to 10%. The goal is to encourage live music events and support venues that contribute to Texas's vibrant music scene by easing their tax burden.
Contention
The justification for reducing the tax rate for live music presenters centers on stimulating local economies through the promotion of cultural performances. However, there may be discussions about the fairness of tax reductions for some establishments while others without live music capabilities are not afforded similar relief. Concerns could arise regarding the classification criteria, the potential for misuse of the classification, and whether the loss in tax revenue could impact state-funded programs that benefit the wider community.
Relating to the applicability of the mixed beverage gross receipts tax and the mixed beverage sales tax to items sold by certain nonprofit entity temporary event permittees.
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.
Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.
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.
Relating to the transfer of the regulation of property tax professionals from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to the comptroller of public accounts; providing civil and administrative penalties.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the Texas Workforce Commission.
Relating to the abolishment of the Texas Council on Purchasing from People with Disabilities and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller of public accounts.
Relating to a Pan American Games trust fund, an Olympic Games trust fund, a Major Events trust fund, a Motor Sports Racing trust fund, and an Events trust fund for sporting and non-sporting events, and to the abolishment of the special event trust fund.