BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.H.B. 2713
By: Jones, D.
4-26-95
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND


In 1981 the 67th Texas Legislature passed enabling legislation to
permit the conduct of bingo games by licensed organizations.  The
act specified that each game would be conducted by designated
numbers or symbols on a card.  The players were required to buy and
use cards during the conduct of the game.  Each player was
permitted to play one or more cards but physical limitations
obviously determined the maximum number of cards which any
individual could play.  Since 1981 the Bingo Enabling Act has been
amended numerous times but no change has been made in the
requirement for the use of physical cards.  In recent years
electronic equipment has been developed which permits the playing
of the game without the use of individual cards.  Electronically
produced bingo cards are created through entry into the computer of
coded authorization slips purchased from the operator of the bingo
game and take the place of the physical bingo card otherwise used.


PURPOSE

CSHB 2713 would permit the use of electronic equipment by those
playing bingo. 


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. Amends Section 2(2), Bingo Enabling Act (Art. 179d,
V.T.C.S.) to authorize the use of an electronic device by a player
in a bingo game and to provide safeguards to prevent such
electronic device from being used in any manner other that as a
substitute for a paper card.

SECTION 2.  Amends Section 11, Bingo Enabling Act (Art. 179d,
V.T.C.S.).  Adds Subsection (u) and (v).  Provides for use of
device that is continuously interfaced with and monitored by an
independent data processor.  Also the processor must register and
verify winnings on the card played with assistance.  Devices
prohibited are those used to generate or determine random letters
or symbols, those that are receptacles of tokens or money for
playing bingo, or dispensers for payment of a bingo prize,
including money or anything of value for card played with the
device's assistance.  
  
SECTION 3. Allows a game of bingo to be conducted with leased
equipment.

SECTION 4.  Effective date:  September 1, 1995.

SECTION 5.  Emergency Clause.


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The original in SECTION 1 amended Section 11(u).  The substitute
amends Section 2(2), Bingo Enabling Act, and the definition of
Bingo Equipment to add computerized or electronic devices as
defined in SECTION 11, (u).  This language did not appear in the
original

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 2713 was heard in a Public Hearing on April 26, 1995.  The Chair
laid out HB 2713, and recognized the author, Rep. Jones to explain
the bill.  Rep. Jones offered a complete committee substitute, and
moved that the full committee adopt CSHB 2713.  There was no
objection.  Rep. Jones offered  a committee amendment to CSHB 2713,
and moved adoption of Committee Amendment #1.  There was no
objection. The Chair recognized  the following person to testify as
a Resource Witness, registering neutral on the bill.   
     Ms. Nora Linares, Exec. Dir., Tx. Lottery Commission;
  The Chair recognized Rep. Jones to close.  Rep. Jones moved that
the full committee adopt HB 2713 as substituted, 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: 5,
NAYS: 0, ABSENT: 4.