TX
Texas Senate Bill SB1988

Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1988

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to the abolishment of the state lottery.

Impact

If SB1988 is enacted, it will repeal existing laws governing the state lottery, thereby impacting how lottery prizes are administered and regulated. All rights, contracts, and obligations related to lottery operations will be transferred to the Texas Lottery Commission, which will be responsible for ensuring that all outstanding lottery prizes continue to be honored. The bill establishes that any lottery-related funds will be redirected to the Foundation School Program, suggesting a notable reallocation of state finances towards education rather than gambling revenues.

Summary

Senate Bill 1988 proposes the abolishment of the state lottery in Texas, a significant shift in the state's gaming policies. This change entails repealing Chapter 466 of the Government Code, which currently regulates lottery operations, and making amendments to related sections that govern commission operations and eligibility. The bill aims to streamline government functions by dissolving the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission and transferring its duties to the broader Commission. The intent appears to be reducing government complexity and possible misuse of funds related to the lottery.

Contention

Discussion around the bill is likely to be contentious, as it addresses a topic that has long been defended and promoted as a means of generating state revenue. Critics may argue that abolishing the lottery could lead to a reduction in funding for various state programs that benefit from lottery proceeds. Supporters of the bill may contend that it is time to end a state-run lottery system that can be viewed as promoting gambling addiction or misuse of state resources. The final decisions and stakeholder reactions could significantly influence the bill's progress through the legislative process.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Government Code

  • Chapter 466. State Lottery
    • Section: New Section
  • Chapter 467. Texas Lottery Commission
    • Section: New Section
    • Section: 024
    • Section: 031
    • Section: 035
    • Section: 101
    • Section: 108
    • Section: 111

Companion Bills

TX HB2918

Identical Relating to the abolishment of the state lottery.

Previously Filed As

TX HB4370

Relating to the abolishment of the State Energy Conservation Office and the transfer of its functions to the comptroller.

TX HB1620

Relating to the review date for certain governmental entities subject to the sunset review process and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission.

TX HB437

Relating to the annual base salaries of state judges and justices and the abolishment of the Judicial Compensation Commission.

TX SB1659

Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.

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 HB903

Relating to the operation of a quick draw lottery game; requiring an occupational license.

TX HB1570

Relating to the sunset review process and certain governmental entities subject to that process.

TX SB643

Relating to the conduct of charitable bingo.

TX HB7

Relating to measures to address public safety threats in this state presented by transnational criminal activity, including by establishing a Texas Border Force, and to compensate persons affected by those threats; increasing criminal penalties; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB431

Relating to the conduct of charitable bingo.

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