BILL ANALYSIS



H.B. 2429
By: Eiland
4-26-95
Committee Report (Amended)


BACKGROUND

Ships that dock in Texas waters can take passengers out to
international waters, where gambling is legal. However, while
riding into international waters, passengers may not be in a room
where the gambling equipment is housed. This therefore limits the
types of boats that can be used for these gambling cruises.


PURPOSE

CSHB 2429 would allow passengers on gambling ships to be in the
same room as the gambling devices when the ship is in state waters.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or
agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.:  Section 47.09 of the Penal Code is amended, creating
subsection (b)(2)(b), which states that while a vessel is in
territorial waters of the state, all gaming devices should be
covered and electronically disabled.

     Creates subsection (b)(3)(b) which states that while the
vessel is in territorial waters of the state, no one other than a
member of the crew or the master can remove the disabling devices
to inspect or repair the gaming equipment.

SECTION 2.: No change.

SECTION 3.: Effective date, September 1, 1995.

SECTION 4.: Emergency clause. 


EXPLANATION OF AMENDMENTS

Committee Amendment #1, strikes Subsection (B) on page 2, line 4,
and inserts a new Subsection (b) to read: that all devices,
equipment, or paraphernalia are covered in a manner that prevents
the use and viewing of the device, equipment or paraphernalia, and
allows only the master and crew of the vessel to uncover the device
equipment, or paraphernalia, and disabled, electronically or by
another method, from a remote and secured area of the vessel in a
way that allows only the master and crew of the vessel to remove
any disabling device.

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 2429 was heard in a Public Hearing on April 26, 1995.  The Chair
laid out HB 2429, and recognized the author Rep. Eiland to explain
the bill.  Rep. Jones offered an amendment to HB 2429, and moved
that the full committee adopt Committee Amendment #1.  There was no
objection.  Rep. Yarbrough moved that the full committee adopt HB
2429 as amended, and that it be reported favorably to the full
House with the recommendation that it do pass and be printed and
placed on the Local and Consent Calendar.  The motion prevailed by
the following vote: AYES: 6, NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 3