Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas House Bill HB1213

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

Caption

Relating to the regulation of amusement redemption machine game rooms in certain counties.

Impact

The implications of HB 1213 are significant for local regulations concerning amusement game rooms. By setting distinct population criteria, the bill intends to ensure that amusement redemption devices are regulated in a consistent manner across different counties, thus reducing discrepancies. This consistency can impact local law enforcement and regulatory practices, effectively providing a state framework for managing these establishments and may reduce issues related to illegal gaming.

Summary

House Bill 1213 aims to regulate amusement redemption machine game rooms within particular counties in Texas. The bill specifies its applicability to counties that are either small in population and adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico or large counties with over four million inhabitants. Additionally, it targets counties that have populations exceeding 285,000 and are adjacent to a highly populated county and the Gulf. This regulation is designed to clarify and streamline the oversight of game rooms that utilize amusement redemption machines, an area that has previously been subject to varying local regulations across the state.

Contention

Notably, the bill has sparked debate among legislators regarding the balance between state and local governance. Proponents argue that the legislation is necessary to put in place clear guidelines for the operation of amusement redemption machine game rooms, potentially increasing tax revenues and enhancing public safety. Opponents may express concerns about the potential overreach of state regulations into local jurisdiction, fearing that it may limit counties’ abilities to address specific local concerns associated with these types of businesses.

Companion Bills

TX SB866

Identical Relating to the regulation of amusement redemption machine game rooms in certain counties.

Previously Filed As

TX HB370

Relating to the regulation of outdoor lighting in certain counties.

TX HB2282

Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities and counties and the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.

TX HB1410

Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax.

TX HB3235

Relating to the authority of certain counties to impose a county hotel occupancy tax.

TX SB940

Relating to the use of hotel occupancy tax revenue by certain municipalities and counties and the authority of certain municipalities to receive certain tax revenue derived from a hotel and convention center project and to pledge certain tax revenue for the payment of obligations related to the project.

TX HB3453

Relating to authorizing certain counties to impose a hotel occupancy tax and the applicability and rates of that tax in certain counties.

TX HB630

Relating to the provision of lifeguards by certain municipalities and counties on public beaches.

TX HB1967

Relating to the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain counties.

TX HB5012

Relating to the authority of certain municipalities to use certain tax revenue for hotel and convention center projects and other qualified projects.

TX HB3294

Relating to the enforcement of commercial motor vehicle safety standards in certain counties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.