Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB2257

Caption

Relating to the operation of casino gaming in certain state coastal areas to provide additional money for property tax relief; requiring occupational licenses and certifications; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties.

Impact

If passed, HB2257 will modify existing laws pertaining to gambling and enhance the state’s ability to monitor and regulate casino gaming. By introducing a structured licensing system, the bill aims to ensure that only qualified operators run casinos, which is intended to protect public health and welfare. The tax revenue from casino operations is targeted to support property tax relief funds, which could significantly impact financial grants for local communities.

Summary

House Bill 2257 introduces regulations for casino gaming in specific coastal areas of Texas aiming to provide additional funding for property tax relief. This bill requires the establishment of a licensing system for casino operators and vendors, authorizes occupational licenses and certifications, and imposes an 18% tax on gross gaming revenue. The Texas Lottery Commission is granted broad authority to regulate these operations, ensuring compliance with state laws and maintaining the integrity of the gaming process.

Contention

A notable point of contention around HB2257 is the operational location of casinos, limited to within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as concerns relating to the impact on local communities and their control over gambling regulations. Additionally, the bill creates various criminal offenses associated with gambling operations, including manipulation of game outcomes and selling to individuals under 18. Critics may argue that this could lead to increased gambling addiction or crime in areas surrounding the casinos.

Companion Bills

TX HJR102

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the operation of casino gaming in certain state coastal areas to provide additional money for property tax relief; providing for occupational licensing and certification; authorizing fees; limiting certain taxes and fees.

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 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 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 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 HB3652

Relating to the regulation of the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, sale, testing, possession, and use of cannabis and cannabis products; authorizing the imposition of taxes and fees; requiring an occupational license; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB1568

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

Similar Bills

IL HB2701

$DHS OCE

IL SB2499

$DHS OCE

IL HB3896

$CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFO AUTH

IL SB2564

$CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFO AUTHOR

CA AB1512

Foster care payments.

CA AB2167

Unemployment insurance: disability: paid family leave.