HBA-CMT S.B. 257 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 257
By: Carona
Licensing & Administrative Procedures
5/8/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

While current Texas law prohibits sales agents or their employees from
selling lottery tickets to minors, the law does not prohibit minors from
purchasing lottery tickets.  Senate Bill 257 provides that a minor who
purchases a lottery ticket commits an offense punishable by a fine not to
exceed $250.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that this bill does
not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, department, agency, or institution. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 257 amends the Government Code to provide that an individual
who is younger than 18 years of age commits an offense punishable by a fine
not to exceed $250 if the individual purchases a lottery ticket or falsely
represents the individual to be 18 years of age or older by displaying
evidence of age that is false or fraudulent or misrepresents in any way the
individual's age in order to purchase a lottery ticket. The above provision
does not apply to an individual younger than 18 years of age who is
participating in an inspection or investigation on behalf of the Texas
Lottery Commission or other appropriate governmental entity.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2001.