Relating to the conduct of the state lottery; creating a criminal offense.
Impact
The implications of Senate Bill 1991 are substantial in terms of how the lottery is regulated within the state. The bill emphasizes accountability among sales agents, particularly by implementing stricter rules for large transactions and the prohibition of certain electronic formats for playslips. This shift is intended to help prevent misuse of the lottery system and to ensure that all ticket purchases are properly documented. Furthermore, the introduction of criminal offenses for non-compliance in form submissions could lead to more stringent enforcement actions against negligent agents, thereby promoting fairness and integrity in lottery operations.
Summary
Senate Bill 1991 seeks to amend the Government Code regarding the conduct of the state lottery in Texas. A significant focus of the bill is to enhance regulatory oversight in relation to lottery ticket sales by introducing new requirements for sales agents and employees. Specifically, the bill includes stipulations about how playslips are used, limits the number of lottery vending machines and computer terminals that can be provided to sales agents, and establishes protocols for reporting large cash purchases. By requiring the submission of specific forms for purchases over $10,000, the bill aims to enhance transparency in lottery ticket sales and reduce potential fraudulent activity.
Contention
While the bill primarily focuses on regulatory measures, it may incite discussions among stakeholders about the balance between oversight and accessibility. Concerns could arise among smaller lottery retailers who may find compliance with the new rules burdensome. Additionally, implementing these measures may lead to debates around the potential economic impacts on businesses reliant on lottery sales. Advocates argue that the proposed changes are necessary to maintain the integrity of state-sponsored gaming, whereas opponents might fear that excessive regulation could hinder sales and infringe on consumer access to lottery games.
Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.
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.
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.
Relating to eligibility for membership on and the regulation of horse racing by the Texas Racing Commission and a prohibition on the conduct of greyhound or other dog racing as live events in this state; creating a criminal offense; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
Relating to the establishment of a terrorist offender registry and to the supervision of those terrorist offenders; creating criminal offenses related to terrorism.
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.
Relating to catalytic converters, including criminal conduct involving catalytic converters; providing an administrative penalty; creating a criminal offense; increasing a criminal penalty; increasing a fee.