Bill: HB 3611, 85(R) - 2017

Committee

House Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Vote Recommendation

Vote Recommendation Economic Freedom Property Rights Personal Responsibility Limited Government Individual Liberty
No Neutral Neutral Neutral Negative Neutral

Author(s)

Eddie Lucio III

Bill Caption

Relating to the suspension of the entitlement of a county and certain municipalities to a local share of a bingo prize fee in counties where certain illegal gambling occurs to the detriment of charitable bingo.

Fiscal Notes

The fiscal implications of the bill cannot be determined at this time. The expected number of illegal gambling complaints is unknown; therefore, the cost associated with investigating those complaints and the revenue loss associated with termination of bingo prize fee collections are also unknown. 

Bill Analysis

HB 3611 would make provision for the termination of the entitlement of the state, a county, and certain municipalities to a share of a charitable bingo prize fee if the Texas Lottery Commission determines that detrimental illegal gambling is occurring in the political subdivision to the detriment of charitable bingo. A process for review, reinstatement, and hearing by the State Office of Administrative Hearings would be established.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would use the threat of withholding a local government's share of bingo prize fees to coerce the municipalities to crack down on illegal gambling. This is a heavy handed tactic that is unnecessary and not consistent with limited government. For this reason we oppose HB 3611.

Organizations Supporting

Christian Life Commission

Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 01:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/hb3611?print_view=true