Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1973

Caption

Relating to the set aside, collection, and transfer of certain money for the Texas Racing Commission.

Impact

The bill is intended to provide more robust financial backing to the operations of the Texas Racing Commission. By establishing clearer guidelines for financial contributions from simulcast pools, it seeks to ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to programs that positively impact racing in Texas, including incentives for breeding programs. This could lead to an increase in local racing activity and boost the economy surrounding the industry, benefiting stakeholders from trainers to breeders.

Summary

SB1973 addresses the financial structures surrounding the Texas Racing Commission, specifically focusing on the collection, distribution, and transfer of funds related to pari-mutuel betting pools. The bill amends existing provisions within the Texas Racing Act to enhance funding protocols, mandating certain percentages of the simulcast pools to be redirected towards various programs that support both horse and greyhound racing. This includes funding for the Texas-bred programs aimed at promoting local breeds and enhancing race quality throughout the state.

Contention

While the bill ostensibly aims to strengthen the racing industry, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for racetrack associations. Some stakeholders believe that the mandatory percentages allocated to the commission and various programs may inhibit the overall revenue available to tracks for operational expenses and improvements. Therefore, a careful balance is needed to address both the needs of the racing commission and the financial health of the tracks themselves.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB2550

Relating to the elimination of certain tax proceeds deposited to and the allocation of the horse industry escrowed purse account.

TX HB4100

Relating to the regulation of wagering through telephone, the Internet, or other approved electronic means on horse races and greyhound races under the pari-mutuel system of wagering; requiring a license to operate account wagering; requiring a fee.

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 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 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 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 HB5128

Relating to certain excess unappropriated money in and reimbursement of appropriated money from the Texas Racing Commission fund.

TX SB2633

Relating to the regulation of horse and greyhound racing by the Texas Racing Commission.

TX SB24

Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.