Bill Caption

Relating to refunds of certain bingo licensing and registration fees.

Fiscal Notes

From the LBB: no significant fiscal implication to the state is anticipated.

Bill Analysis

HB 446 would amend the Occupations Code to require the Texas Lottery Commission to issue a refund for a fee related to the application of a temporary license to conduct bingo if the applicant does not use the license to conduct bingo within a year of issuance or if the applicant requests withdrawal of the application before the license is issued. The commission would be permitted to retain up to 50% of the fee to defray administrative costs.

The bill would also require the refund of an initial or renewal bingo license if the applicant withdraws the application or the application is denied. The  This would also apply for a bingo manufacturer’s license fee, bingo distributor’s license fee, bingo worker’s license fee, commercial lessor license fee, or unit manager license fee. The commission would be permitted to keep up to 50% of the fee to defray administrative costs.

Vote Recommendation Notes

This bill would reduce government-imposed costs to private organizations applying for bingo related licenses. It is questionable policy to require such licensure in the first place, and we would welcome legislative initiatives to eliminate or reduce the number and cost of bingo related licenses currently required in statute. For taking a step in the right direction toward lowering the cost of government as it relates to bingo licensure, we support HB 446.