Texas House Bill HJR129

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas to conduct all forms of gaming on certain tribal land and requiring the tribes to annually pay five percent of net proceeds from gaming to the comptroller of public accounts for deposit in the general revenue fund.

Impact

The resolution would amend the Texas Constitution, specifically Article III, Section 47, to allow the mentioned tribes to operate various gaming activities, including lottery and betting, without state jurisdiction. It would also require these tribes to pay five percent of their net gaming proceeds to the state's general revenue fund. This could provide a new revenue stream for the state while promoting economic development within the tribes themselves.

Summary

HJR129 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment that would explicitly authorize the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas to conduct all forms of gaming on certain tribal lands. The amendment aims to clarify the legal status of tribal gaming in Texas, which has been a contentious issue in the past. By allowing these tribes to engage in gaming activities, it aims to enhance their economic standing while also establishing a framework for regulatory oversight by federal authorities and provisions for revenue-sharing with the state.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention around HJR129, particularly concerning issues of state versus tribal sovereignty in matters of gaming regulation. Proponents argue that the resolution will help bring about economic benefits and provide much-needed funding to the Texas state budget. Conversely, opponents may raise concerns that expanding gaming could have social implications, including potential increases in gambling addiction, and may fuel discussions about the fairness of revenue-sharing with the state.