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