Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1997

Caption

Relating to the deposit and distribution by the Texas Racing Commission of certain pari-mutuel wagering funds to benefit the Texas-bred program.

Summary

Senate Bill 1997 is designed to amend certain provisions regarding the deposit and distribution of pari-mutuel wagering funds, specifically aimed at enhancing the Texas-bred program. This legislation introduces significant changes to the way funds generated from horse and greyhound racing are allocated. Notably, it establishes a Texas-bred incentive fund to encourage horse breeding within the state, enabling more effective financial support to local horse and greyhound breed registries. This enhancement aims to improve state-wide breeding and racing activities, promoting local agricultural efficiency and economic development in these sectors. A key aspect of SB1997 is the stipulation that racetrack associations are required to contribute a percentage of live wagering pool funds to the Texas-bred program. The bill specifies the use of funds, indicating that a portion collected will be directed towards education and directly into the hands of breeders and owners of winning horses and greyhounds. This represents a strategic effort to bolster support for breeders of Texas-bred animals and aims to stimulate local economies associated with racing events. The impact of this bill on state laws revolves around the distribution method for earnings from pari-mutuel pools. The bill introduces enhanced accountability measures for how these funds are managed by the Texas Racing Commission. It mandates the commission to revise rules for greater transparency in fund allocations, thus ensuring that the distribution is aligned with state legislation. These changes are expected to refine the operational processes of how funds are deposited and disbursed, consequently aiming for improved oversight and efficiency in the spending of these funds. Despite generally positive sentiments surrounding the bill due to its potential economic benefits, concerns regarding the regulatory implications and the impact on current practices were raised during discussions. Opponents argue that while the bill aims to provide funding for local breeders, it may inadvertently complicate existing practices or overregulate aspects of the racing industry. This tension indicates a clear division among stakeholders regarding the best path forward for the welfare of Texas-based animal breeding and racing interests.

Companion Bills

TX HB3366

Same As Relating to the deposit and distribution by the Texas Racing Commission of certain pari-mutuel wagering funds to benefit the Texas-bred program.

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 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 HB2550

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

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 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 SB2633

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

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.

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