Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HB494

Caption

Relating to the operation of casino gaming in certain coastal areas of this state by licensed persons to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in the coastal areas; requiring occupational licenses or certifications; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties.

Impact

The implementation of HB 494 will create a formal framework for casino operations, including the establishment of a state casino gaming tax set at 18% of a casino's gross gaming revenue. This revenue is split, with half directed to a catastrophe reserve fund to aid members of the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association, and the other half designated for a catastrophic flooding assistance trust fund. This change is expected to make financial resources available for disaster relief, particularly in the aftermath of significant flooding events affecting coastal areas.

Summary

House Bill 494 is a legislative proposal aimed at regulating casino gaming in specific coastal regions of Texas. This bill seeks to enable licensed persons to operate casino games to generate additional revenue for the state. The generated funds are earmarked specifically for residual windstorm insurance coverage and assistance related to catastrophic flooding in these affected coastal areas. By amending existing laws, the bill intends to provide a formal structure for casino gaming, which has the potential to enhance economic activity in these regions.

Contention

Despite the anticipated financial benefits, there may be notable points of contention surrounding HB 494. Critics may express concerns regarding the potential social impacts of introducing casino gaming, including gambling addiction and moral issues. There might also be worries about a possible increase in crime associated with gambling activities. Furthermore, discussions may arise about the adequacy of the regulations proposed for the operation and oversight of casino activities, particularly in ensuring fair practices and protecting public welfare.

Companion Bills

TX HJR36

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of casino gaming in certain coastal areas of this state by licensed persons to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in the coastal areas; providing for certification or licensing of persons engaged in occupations related to casino gaming.

Previously Filed As

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 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 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 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 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 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 SB765

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

Similar Bills

CA SB577

Insurance.

CA SB345

California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees.

CA AB878

Juveniles: restraints.

CA SB600

Health care coverage: fertility preservation.

CA AB2468

Forest resources: Forest Improvement Program: joint applications: cost advancements.

CA SB650

Cancer Medication Advisory Committee.

HI HB1468

Relating To Electronic Citations.

HI SB1078

Relating To Electronic Citations.