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.