Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas House Bill HJR26

Caption

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.

Impact

Should HJR26 be enacted, it would lead to significant changes in the state's approach to gaming and economic development. The establishment of casino operations could increase tourism and local economic activity in coastal areas. The revenue generated from these gaming activities is earmarked specifically for improving windstorm insurance funding and providing assistance for flooding, addressing critical financial needs exacerbated by natural disasters in the state. The bill implies strong safety and health regulations for casino gaming, which would aim to protect both consumers and the integrity of the gaming operations themselves.

Summary

HJR26 proposes a constitutional amendment to authorize the operation of casino gaming in specific coastal areas of Texas. The primary intent of this amendment is to generate additional revenue for windstorm insurance coverage and catastrophic flooding assistance in these regions. The bill seeks to allow casino gaming to be conducted by licensed operators within 200 miles of the Gulf of Mexico, thereby establishing a framework for regulatory oversight and ensuring compliance with both state and federal gaming laws. Additionally, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas would be authorized to execute a compact with the state to govern their casino operations, providing a foundation for economic opportunities for the Tribe.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding HJR26, particularly regarding the implications for local governance and existing gambling regulations. While proponents argue that new revenue streams could lead to improved local economies and necessary funding for disaster management, opponents may express concerns about the social consequences of expanded gaming, such as potential increases in gambling-related issues. Furthermore, the exclusivity granted to the Kickapoo Tribe may raise questions about fairness and competition within the gaming industry, considering the impact on other gaming entities in Texas.

Companion Bills

TX HB477

Enabled by 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.

Previously Filed As

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 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 HJR156

Proposing a constitutional amendment to require the governor to negotiate and execute gaming compacts with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo and to authorize those tribes to sue this state if the governor fails to negotiate in good faith.

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 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 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 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 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 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.

Similar Bills

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 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 SJR58

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 HJR156

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 HJR112

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX SJR41

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state; providing for licensing of persons under the agreement; limiting certain taxes and fees.

TX HJR113

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.

TX HJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to conduct gaming by executing a gaming agreement with this state.