Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR78

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of six casinos in this state by licensed persons in certain counties that have approved casino gaming to provide funding for certain higher education, public education, mental health, and public safety initiatives; authorizing the licensing of persons engaged in casino gaming occupations, the imposition of fees and a tax, and the provision of criminal penalties.

Impact

If passed, HJR78 would amend the Texas Constitution to regulate and authorize casino gaming within the prescribed counties. A majority of voters in each specific county must approve casino gaming through a local option election before any licenses can be awarded. This measure is expected to create a new revenue stream for the state, which would be allocated towards supporting local educational programs and safety initiatives. It represents a significant shift in policy towards gambling, which has traditionally faced restrictions in Texas, thus reflecting changing attitudes towards the gaming industry.

Summary

HJR78 is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to allow the operation of six casinos in Texas, specifically licensed for certain counties that have voted to approve casino gaming. The counties mentioned include Comal, Denton, El Paso, Hidalgo, Harris, and Midland. The bill aims to generate funding for various initiatives in higher education, public education, mental health programs, and public safety through the taxation of casino gaming activities. It includes provisions for licensing persons engaged in casino gaming occupations, outlining the framework and fees for such operations.

Contention

Notably, the bill is likely to encounter opposition from various stakeholders, particularly those concerned about the societal implications of expanded gambling operations. Critics may argue that the introduction of casinos could lead to increased gambling addiction, crime, and other negative social consequences. The bill's reliance on taxation from casino operations to fund vital public programs raises questions about the morality and sustainability of using gambling revenue to support public welfare. Additionally, debates surrounding local control and the process of a local option election may also prompt contention among legislators and the public.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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 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 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 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 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 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 SJR90

Proposing a constitutional amendment to protect the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas by authorizing it to conduct gaming on certain lands under state law.

TX HJR93

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners or similar gaming devices; authorizing a fee.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.