Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HB477

Caption

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

Impact

The implementation of HB 477 will establish a framework for regulating casino gaming and create several new positions under the Texas Lottery Commission to oversee these operations. By requiring various licenses for gaming operators, vendors, and employees, the bill seeks to ensure that gaming activities are conducted in a secure manner, safeguarding the public interest and maintaining fairness within the industry. The revenue generated from casino taxes is to be allocated to two specific funds: the catastrophe reserve trust fund to assist in covering insured losses during emergencies, and the catastrophic flooding assistance trust fund to provide direct aid in the event of disaster declarations.

Summary

House Bill 477 addresses the operation of casino gaming in certain coastal areas of Texas, aiming to provide additional funding for residual windstorm insurance coverage and assistance for catastrophic flooding in those regions. The bill requires occupational licenses and certifications to operate casino gaming, and it imposes a tax on casino revenues. By authorizing these gaming operations, the bill facilitates the creation of a state casino gaming fund, which will collect revenues generated by the casinos, thus contributing to the state's financial stability in light of potential natural disasters.

Contention

While proponents of the bill view it as a vital step towards generating necessary funds for insurance coverage and disaster preparedness, there are notable points of contention. Critics express concerns regarding the expansion of gambling in Texas, fearing it may lead to negative social impacts such as gambling addiction. Additionally, some stakeholders worry that the focus on casino gaming as a revenue source could distract from alternative funding mechanisms or disaster preparedness strategies that do not involve gambling. The regulatory framework also raises questions about local community control over such activities and the potential consequences of allowing gaming operations near their areas.

Companion Bills

TX HJR26

Enabling for Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the operation of casino gaming in certain state coastal areas to provide additional money for residual windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in those areas and to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct casino gaming by executing a gaming compact with this state; providing for occupational licensing; 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 HB1568

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

Similar Bills

CA SB708

Supplemental Security Income and CalFresh: preenrollment.

CA SB509

Vehicles: California Housing Crisis Awareness specialized license plate.

NJ S2565

Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

NJ S946

Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

NJ A2598

Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates.

NJ A5400

Re-locates certain energy incentive and all utility assistance programs to new Office of Energy Management; establishes common application platform for utility assistance programs.

CA AB761

County employees’ retirement: personnel: Orange County.

NJ S3145

Authorizes issuance of Boy Scouts of America license plates for Boy Scouts of American councils in New Jersey.