SRC-SEW H.B. 2119 77(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 2119
77R6922 YDB-FBy: Haggerty (Madla)
State Affairs
5/11/2001
Engrossed


DIGEST AND PURPOSE 

Progressive bingo is a specific type of bingo game in which a player must
achieve a specific pattern by the time a certain number of bingo balls have
been selected. If the player does not achieve the specific pattern within
the specified number of balls, the game continues until someone achieves a
winning pattern. A consolation prize is awarded and the remainder of the
prize amount is carried over and added to the next progressive bingo game.
H.B. 2119 authorizes a licensed authorized organization to conduct a
progressive bingo game.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

Rulemaking authority is expressly granted to the Texas Lottery Commission
in SECTION 2 (Section 2001.421, Occupations Code) of this bill. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 2001.002, Occupations Code, by adding
Subdivision (29) to define "progressive bingo."   
  
SECTION 2.  Amends Chapter 2001I, Occupations Code, by adding Section
2001.421, as follows: 

Sec. 2001.421.  PROGRESSIVE BINGO GAMES. (a) Authorizes a licensed
authorized organization to conduct a progressive bingo game. 

(b)  Authorizes only one progressive bingo game to be conducted during a
bingo occasion. 

(c)  Provides that Section 2001.420(a) does not apply to a progressive
bingo game.  Provides that the prizes awarded in a progressive bingo game
are not included in the aggregated value of prizes awarded at a single
bingo occasion for purposes of Section 2001.420(b). 

(d) Prohibits the prize offered or awarded for a progressive bingo game
from exceeding $750 at the first bingo occasion during which the game is
played and authorizes the prize to be increased by not more than $500 at
each successive bingo occasion at which the game is played until the game
is won. 

(e)  Requires a progressive bingo game, if the prize for the game is not
awarded at a bingo occasion, to be continued at a future bingo occasion of
the same organization until a winner is declared. 

(f)  Authorizes a consolation prize of not more than $250 for a progressive
bingo game to be awarded at each bingo occasion during which the game is
played. 

(g)  Authorizes a licensed authorized organization conducting a progressive
bingo game to post the rules for the progressive bingo game as part of the
organization's house rules before the start of the bingo occasion.
Requires the posted rules, except as otherwise required by rule of the
Texas Lottery Commission (commission), to remain in effect until a winner
is declared for the progressive bingo game. 

(h) Provides that, if more than one licensed authorized organization
conducts bingo at the same location, each organization is responsible for
the organization's own progressive bingo game. 

(i)  Requires a licensed authorized organization conducting a progressive
bingo game to maintain adequate records relating to the game as required by
rule of the commission.  Sets forth requirements for the records.  

(j)  Provides that Sections 2001.502 and 2001.503 apply to a prize awarded
in a progressive bingo game, including a consolation prize. 

 (k)  Requires the commission to adopt rules to administer this section.

SECTION 3.  (a) Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2001.

(b)  Requires the Texas Lottery Commission to adopt rules to administer
progressive bingo games under Section 2001.421, Occupations Code, as added
by this Act, not later than October 1, 2001.  Prohibits a licensed
authorized organization from conducting a progressive bingo game under
Section 2001.421, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, before the
commission adopts those rules.