Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB3043

Caption

Relating to the operation of 12 casinos in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties; authorizing fees.

Impact

The implementation of HB 3043 would mark a significant change in Texas's gaming laws, traditionally restrictive regarding gambling. Supporters argue that legalizing casinos would generate significant revenue for the state and improve local economies. The bill emphasizes strict regulatory oversight to ensure public safety, fairness, and integrity in casino operations. Critics, however, fear potential social ramifications associated with increased gambling, suggesting that it could lead to higher rates of addiction and crime in communities.

Summary

House Bill 3043 aims to regulate the operation of up to 12 casinos in Texas counties that have approved casino gaming through local elections. The bill requires individuals operating casinos to obtain specific licenses from the Texas Lottery Commission and sets forth a framework for approving casino gaming based on public support via county-wide elections. This legislation is designed to create a structured environment for legal casino operations, allowing counties that meet certain legal criteria to conduct casino gaming.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 3043 is the mechanism for legalizing casino gaming, which places the decision in the hands of local voters via a petition process requiring signatures from three percent of registered voters in the county. There are concerns about voter turnout and the influence of lobbying efforts from the gaming industry in promoting casino operations. Furthermore, the bill includes criminal offenses and penalties for violations concerning casino operations, which opponents argue may disproportionately impact vulnerable populations or individuals mistakenly caught in regulatory nets.

Companion Bills

TX HJR100

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of 12 casinos in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; authorizing the licensing of persons engaged in casino gaming occupations, the imposition of fees, and the provision of criminal penalties.

Previously Filed As

TX HJR105

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of five casinos in this state by licensed persons in certain counties that have approved casino gaming to provide funding for public education; providing for the requirement of occupational licenses, the authorization of fees, the imposition of a tax, and the provision of criminal penalties.

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 HB1942

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX SB715

Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.

TX HB2226

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.

TX HJR84

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR30

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing under the compact; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX HB1568

Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing penalties, including administrative penalties; authorizing fees.

TX HB2057

Relating to the licensing and regulation of lactation consultants and the creation of the Lactation Consultant Advisory Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees; providing penalties; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

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