Bill: SB 1972, 85(R) - 2017

Committee

Senate Agriculture, Water, & Rural Affairs

Vote Recommendation

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

Author(s)

Lois Kolkhorst

Bill Caption

Relating to the deposit and distribution by the Texas Racing Commission of certain pari-mutuel wagering funds to benefit the Texas-bred program.

Fiscal Notes

An impact of $0 through the biennium ending August 31, 2019. The bill would take effect only if a specific appropriation for the implementation of the bill is provided in a General Appropriations Act of the Eighty-fifth Legislature.

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

SB 1972 would establish the Texas-bred Incentive Fund as escrow account in the registry of the Texas Racing Commission. The commission would be required to deposit money set aside for the Texas-bred program into this account for distribution in accordance with the Texas Racing Act.

Vote Recommendation Notes

While the Texas-bred program creates market distortions through subsidies to Texas breeders of horses and greyhounds, this bill neither expands nor contracts the program; it merely changes the mechanics of how the existing program works. Because it is procedural in nature, SB 1972 neither uplifts nor offends our liberty principles, therefore we remain neutral. 

A more prudent measure than making procedural changes would be to abolish this program entirely. The state should not be involved in this industry to begin with, let alone providing incentives and promoting economic development of one particular group. To truly promote the free market and limited government, this fund and program should be abolished.

Source URL (retrieved on 03/29/2024 04:03 AM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/85r/sb1972?print_view=true