Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SJR36

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the operation of 12 casinos in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; authorizing the licensing of persons engaged in casino gaming occupations, the imposition of fees, and the provision of criminal penalties.

Impact

If passed, SJR36 would significantly alter the existing gambling landscape in Texas, allowing counties that approve casino gaming via a majority vote to license casinos. This local option election process empowers individual counties to determine whether they would like to allow casino operations, hence introducing a level of local control in what has historically been a heavily regulated area. The legislation aims to ensure that all gaming activities are overseen by the state to preserve integrity and public trust, while also potentially generating revenue through the licensing fees imposed on casino operations.

Summary

SJR36 is a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Texas Constitution that would authorize the operation of up to 12 casinos within the state. This bill seeks to regulate casino gaming by establishing a structure to license operators and oversee the activities connected to casino gaming, including the imposition of licensing fees and establishing criminal penalties. The intent is to control and legitimize the gaming industry in Texas, allowing players to engage in games of chance operated by licensed individuals. Notably, SJR36 would amend Article III of the Texas Constitution by creating Section 47a, which explicitly allows for casino gaming under certain conditions.

Contention

The proposal has faced various points of contention, particularly regarding the social implications of expanding gambling facilities in the state. Opponents may argue that SJR36 could lead to increased gambling-related issues within communities, including addiction and other negative social impacts. Furthermore, the distribution of casinos may lead to economic disparities among counties, influencing whether they can benefit from the revenue generated by such developments. Supporters, on the other hand, advocate that regulated casino gaming will provide economic opportunities, boost local economies, and generate tax revenues that could benefit community projects.

Companion Bills

TX SB616

Enabled by Relating to the operation of 12 casinos in this state by licensed persons in counties that have approved casino gaming; requiring occupational licenses; creating criminal offenses and providing other penalties; authorizing fees.

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 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 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 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 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 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 HB667

Relating to the licensing and regulation of music therapists; requiring an occupational license; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.