Bill: HB 394, 83(R) - 2013

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
Yes Positive Neutral Neutral Positive Positive

Author(s)

Senfronia Thompson

Bill Caption

Relating to limits on prizes for bingo games.

Fiscal Notes

Estimated Two-year Net Impact to General Revenue Related Funds for HB394, As Introduced: a positive impact of $383,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015, if the effective date of the bill is June 1, 2013; or a positive impact of $341,000 through the biennium ending August 31, 2015, if the effective date of the bill is September 1, 2013. The bill would make no appropriation but could provide the legal basis for an appropriation of funds to implement the provisions of the bill.

Bill Analysis

Summary: Currently, there is a limit to how much an individual can win in a single bingo occasion. That amount is capped is $2,500. HB 394 would expand that limit by exempting pull-tab bingo prizes and any single prize less than $50 from counting towards the $2,500 total.

Analysis: HB 394 represents a modest deregulation of the bingo industry and should allow venues that operate bingo games to have more freedom to attract more business if they choose. TPPA supports HB 394. 

Our support for this legislation should not be construed as support for gambling generally, or for Bingo specifically. Our recommendation is based on our view that this bill modestly limits government by taking away certain restrictions, increases free market transactions by allowing Bingo venues more flexibility, and enhances individual liberty by allowing Bingo participants to gain greater benefit out of their choice to play.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/18/2024 05:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb394?print_view=true