81R4137 YDB-F

By: Ellis, Carona S.B. No. 1084

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the authorization and regulation of casino and slot gaming in this state, the creation, powers, and duties of the Texas Gaming Commission, and the powers and duties of the Texas Racing Commission; providing penalties.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Title 13, Occupations Code, is amended by adding Subtitle A-1 to read as follows:

SUBTITLE A-1. CASINO, SLOT, AND OTHER GAMING REGULATED BY TEXAS

GAMING COMMISSION

CHAPTER 2021. GENERAL PROVISIONS; TEXAS GAMING COMMISSION

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 2021.001. DEFINITIONS. In this subtitle:

(1) "Affiliate" means a person who, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another person. A person is considered to control a company if the person beneficially owns more than a five percent equity interest in the company under the beneficial ownership rules adopted by the commission.

(2) "Applicant" means a person who has applied for a casino owner's license, a casino operator's license, a slot establishment owner's license, a slot establishment operator's license, an occupational license, a manufacturer's license, a slot machine provider license, a casino service license, or a qualification to hold an equity interest or creditor interest in a casino owner's license holder or slot establishment owner's license holder or who has applied for the approval of any act or transaction for which approval is required or allowed under this subtitle.

(3) "Associated equipment" means any equipment, including a mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic contrivance, component, or machine, used in connection with gaming or with any game that would not otherwise be classified as a gaming device. The term includes dice, playing cards, links connecting progressive slot machines, equipment affecting the proper reporting of gross gaming revenue, computerized systems or software for monitoring slot machines, and devices for weighing or counting money.

(4) "Casino" means a facility at which gambling games are conducted for profit that are not authorized by a law other than Chapter 2022. The term does not include a slot establishment.

(5) "Casino operator" means a person other than the casino owner's license holder who contractually agrees to provide operational and managerial services for the operation of a casino on behalf of the casino owner's license holder in return for receiving a payment based wholly or partly on profits or receipts from the casino.

(6) "Casino operator's license" means a license issued under Section 2022.101.

(7) "Casino owner's license" means a license issued under Section 2022.052.

(8) "Casino service" means the provision of goods or services, including security service and gaming schools, to a person holding a casino owner's or operator's license under this subtitle, other than a service requiring a manufacturer's license.

(9) "Casino service license" means a license issued under Section 2022.152.

(10) "Casino service license holder" means a person who holds a casino service license.

(11) "Commission" means the Texas Gaming Commission.

(12) "Commission member" means a member of the commission.

(13) "Company" means a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, trust, association, joint stock company, joint venture, limited liability company, or other form of business organization. The term does not include a sole proprietorship or natural person.

(14) "Creditor interest" means a right or claim of any character against a person for the payment of money borrowed, whether secured or unsecured, matured or unmatured, liquidated or absolute, or fixed or contingent. The term includes an obligation based on the person's profits or receipts.

(15) "Director" means a member of the board of directors of a corporation and a person performing similar functions with respect to a company other than a corporation.

(16) "Equity interest" means a proprietary interest, right, or claim allowing the holder either to vote with respect to matters of organizational governance or to participate in the profits and residual assets of a company, including common and preferred stock in a corporation, a general or limited partnership interest in a partnership, a similar interest in any other form of business organization, and a warrant, right, or similar interest convertible into, or to subscribe for, a proprietary right or claim, with or without the payment of additional consideration.

(17) "Executive director" means the executive director of the commission.

(18) "Game" or "gambling game":

(A) means any game or similar activity that involves the making of a bet, as defined by Section 47.01, Penal Code, for consideration, and includes:

(i) a banking or percentage game played with cards, dice, or a mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic device or machine for money, property, checks, credit, or a representative of value, including roulette, keno, twenty-one, blackjack, craps, poker, chuck-a-luck (dai shu), wheel of fortune, chemin de fer, baccarat, pai gow, slot machine, any other electronic game of chance, and any other game or device approved by the commission;

(ii) simulcast wagering on pari-mutuel greyhound or horse racing;

(iii) the maintenance of a race book; and

(iv) any other method of effecting a wager approved by the commission; and

(B) does not include:

(i) bingo authorized by Chapter 2001;

(ii) charitable raffles authorized by Chapter 2002; or

(iii) the state lottery conducted under Chapter 466, Government Code.

(19) "Gaming" or "gambling" means to deal, operate, carry on, conduct, maintain, or expose for play a game in a casino or slot establishment.

(20) "Gaming agreement" means an agreement authorized under Chapter 2022 or 2023 between this state and a federally recognized Indian tribe with Indian lands in this state under which this state allows the tribe to conduct limited gaming activities authorized under Chapter 2022 or 2023 or applicable federal law.

(21) "Gaming device" means a mechanical, electromechanical, or electronic contrivance, component, or machine used in connection with gaming or a game that affects the result of a wager by determining win or loss. The term includes a system for processing information that can alter the normal criteria of random selection, affect the operation of a game, or determine the outcome of a game.

(22) "Gaming employee":

(A) means an individual directly involved in the operation or conduct of gaming in a casino or slot establishment performing a service in a capacity that the commission finds appropriate for occupational licensing under Section 2022.102 and includes:

(i) a boxman, a cashier, change personnel, counting room personnel, a dealer, a floor person, a host empowered to extend credit or complimentary services, a keno runner, a keno writer, a machine mechanic, or security personnel;

(ii) a shift or pit boss or a supervisor or manager involved in gaming activities;

(iii) accounting or internal auditing personnel directly involved in recordkeeping or the examination of records generated from gaming activities; and

(iv) a junketeer or other independent agent whose compensation is based on how much a patron wagers or loses or who is paid per patron more than the price of admission; and

(B) does not include bartenders, cocktail waitresses, or other individuals engaged exclusively in preparing or serving food or beverages or individuals providing nominal, complimentary, or maintenance services.

(23) "Gross gaming revenue":

(A) means the total of the following, less the total of all cash paid out as losses to patrons and the amounts paid to purchase annuities to fund losses paid to patrons by independent financial institutions and items made deductible as losses under Section 2022.303:

(i) money received by an owner's license holder from players of casino games;

(ii) money received by an owner's license holder in payment for credit extended by the owner's license holder to a patron for the purposes of casino gaming; and

(iii) compensation received by an owner's license holder for conducting any game in which the owner's license holder is not a party to a wager; and

(B) does not include:

(i) counterfeit money or tokens;

(ii) coins of other countries that are received in slot machines or gaming devices;

(iii) cash taken in fraudulent acts perpetrated against an owner's license holder for which the holder is not reimbursed; or

(iv) cash received as entry fees for contests or tournaments in which the patrons compete for prizes.

(24) "Hearing examiner" means a person authorized by the commission to conduct hearings.

(25) "Indian lands" means land that was held in trust by the United States on January 1, 1998, for the benefit of the Indian tribe pursuant to the Restoration Acts (Pub. L. No. 100-89) or on which gaming is permitted under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (18 U.S.C. Section 1166 et seq. and 25 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.).

(26) "Institutional investor" means a person, other than a state or federal pension plan, that meets the requirements of a "qualified institutional buyer" as defined in 17 C.F.R. Section 230.144A and is:

(A) a bank as defined in Section 3(a)(6), Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. Section 78c);

(B) an insurance company as defined in Section 2(a)(17), Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section 80a-2);

(C) an investment company registered under Section 8, Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section 80a-8);

(D) an investment adviser registered under Section 203, Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section 80b-3);

(E) a collective trust fund as defined by Section 3(c)(11), Investment Company Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. Section 80a-3);

(F) an employee benefit plan or pension fund that is subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. Section 1001 et seq.), excluding an employee benefit plan or pension fund sponsored by a publicly traded corporation registered with the commission;

(G) a state or federal government pension plan;

(H) a group composed entirely of persons specified in Paragraphs (A)-(F); or

(I) such other persons as the commission may determine for reasons consistent with the policies expressed in Section 2022.001.

(27) "Key executive" means a corporation's directors and executive officers, a partnership's general partners, a trust's trustee, a joint venture's managing venturers, and each person possessing similar responsibilities and authorities in any other form of business organization.

(28) "License" means a license issued under this subtitle, including a casino owner's license, a casino operator's license, a slot establishment owner's license, a slot establishment operator's license, an occupational license, a casino service license, a manufacturer's license, a slot machine provider license, or a qualification to hold an equity interest or creditor interest in a casino owner's or slot establishment owner's license.

(29) "License holder" means a person holding a license issued under this subtitle.

(30) "Manufacturer license holder" means the holder of a manufacturer's license.

(31) "Manufacturer's license" means a license issued under Section 2022.151.

(32) "Negotiable instrument" means a writing that evidences a transaction between an individual and a casino or slot establishment owner's license holder at the time of the transaction whose gaming chips, tokens, or currency are exchanged for the instrument and includes a writing taken in consolidation, redemption, or payment of a prior instrument.

(33) "Net slot income" means the total amount of money paid to play slot machines at a slot establishment less the value of all credits redeemed for money, including any progressive prizes and bonuses, by the players of the slot games. The following provisions apply to the calculation of net slot income:

(A) the costs associated with progressive prizes may not be deducted from the total amount of money paid to play the games for purposes of determining net slot income; and

(B) promotional prizes offered by a slot establishment may not be deducted or otherwise considered credits redeemed for money by players.

(34) "Occupational license" means a license issued under Section 2022.102.

(35) "Occupational license holder" means the holder of an occupational license.

(36) "Operator's license" means a casino operator's license issued under Section 2022.101 or a slot establishment operator's license issued under Section 2022.202.

(37) "Operator license holder" means the holder of an operator's license.

(38) "Owner's license" means a casino owner's license issued under Section 2022.052 or a slot establishment owner's license issued under Section 2022.202.

(39) "Owner's license holder" means a person holding an owner's license.

(40) "Pari-mutuel license holder" means a person licensed to conduct wagering on a greyhound race or a horse race under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

(41) "Player" means a person who contributes any part of the consideration to play a gambling game.

(42) "Principal manager" means a person who, as determined under the rules of the commission, holds or exercises managerial, supervisory, or policy-making authority over the management or operation of a gaming activity or casino service that in the judgment of the commission warrants the occupational licensing as a principal manager for the protection of the public interest. The term includes a key executive of a license holder that is a company and each person controlling a license holder that is a company.

(43) "Race book" means wagers accepted on the outcome of an event held at a greyhound or horse racetrack that uses the pari-mutuel system of wagering.

(44) "Racetrack" means a racetrack as defined by Section 1.03, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), that is conducting live racing or simulcasting under an active pari-mutuel license.

(45) "Slot establishment" means premises at which the operation of slot machines is authorized by the commission under this subtitle in accordance with a license or gaming agreement.

(46) "Slot establishment operator's license" means a license issued under Section 2022.202.

(47) "Slot establishment operator's license holder" means a person holding a slot establishment operator's license.

(48) "Slot establishment owner's license" means a license issued under Section 2022.202.

(49) "Slot establishment owner's license holder" means a person holding a slot establishment owner's license.

(50) "Slot machine" means a mechanical, electrical, or other device or machine that, on insertion of a coin, token, or similar object or on payment of consideration, is available to play or operate, the play or operation of which, wholly or partly by the element of chance, may deliver or entitle the person playing or operating the machine to receive cash, premiums, merchandise, tokens, or any other thing of value, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machine or is made in another manner.

Sec. 2021.002. APPLICATION OF SUNSET ACT. (a) The Texas Gaming Commission is subject to Chapter 325, Government Code (Texas Sunset Act). Unless continued in existence as provided by that chapter, the commission is abolished September 1, 2021.

(b) On the date the commission is abolished under Subsection (a), the following statutes are repealed:

(1) this chapter;

(2) Chapter 2022;

(3) Chapter 2023; and

(4) the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

Sec. 2021.003. REFERENCES TO LICENSE INCLUDE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION OR OTHER APPROVAL. Except as expressly provided by this subtitle, other law, or commission rule, a reference in this subtitle to a license applies to a certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this subtitle, other law, or commission rule.

Sec. 2021.004. EXEMPTION FROM TAXATION. A political subdivision of this state may not impose:

(1) a tax on the payment of a prize under Chapter 2023;

(2) a tax, fee, or other assessment on consideration paid to play a gambling game authorized by this subtitle; or

(3) a tax or fee on attendance at or admission to a casino or slot establishment authorized by this subtitle unless specifically authorized by statute.

[Sections 2021.005-2021.050 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS GAMING COMMISSION

Sec. 2021.051. COMMISSION; MEMBERSHIP. (a) The Texas Gaming Commission is composed of five members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate.

(b) Appointments to the commission shall be made without regard to the race, color, disability, sex, religion, age, or national origin of the appointee.

Sec. 2021.052. QUALIFICATIONS OF COMMISSION MEMBERS. (a) To be eligible for appointment to the commission, a person:

(1) must be a citizen of the United States;

(2) must have resided in this state for the two years preceding the date of the person's appointment;

(3) must submit a financial statement that contains the information required by Chapter 572, Government Code;

(4) may not own a financial or other interest in a person engaged in the conduct of gaming or the provision of casino services, or in a security issued by that person, or be related within the second degree by affinity or the third degree by consanguinity, as determined under Chapter 573, Government Code, to an individual who owns such a financial or other interest or security;

(5) may not be an applicant for or holder of a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under a law administered by the commission or hold an equity interest or creditor interest in an owner's license holder requiring qualification under Section 2022.060; and

(6) may not be a member of the governing body of a political subdivision of this state.

(b) A person holding an elective office or an officer or official of a political party is not eligible for appointment to the commission.

Sec. 2021.053. MEMBERSHIP AND EMPLOYEE RESTRICTIONS. (a) In this section, "Texas trade association" means a cooperative and voluntarily joined association of business or professional competitors in this state designed to assist its members and its industry or profession in dealing with mutual business or professional problems and in promoting their common interest.

(b) A person may not be a member of the commission or an employee of the commission employed in a "bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity," as that phrase is used for purposes of establishing an exemption to the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. Section 201 et seq.) if:

(1) the person is an officer, employee, manager, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of gaming; or

(2) the person's spouse is an officer, manager, or paid consultant of a Texas trade association in the field of gaming.

(c) A person may not be a member of the commission or act as general counsel to the commission if the person is required to register as a lobbyist under Chapter 305, Government Code, because of the person's activities for compensation on behalf of a profession related to the operation of the commission.

Sec. 2021.054. TERMS; VACANCIES. (a) Members of the commission serve staggered six-year terms, with the term or terms of one or two members expiring February 1 of each odd-numbered year.

(b) The governor shall fill a vacancy in a position on the commission for the remainder of the unexpired term.

Sec. 2021.055. PRESIDING OFFICER. The governor shall designate a member of the commission as presiding officer of the commission to serve in that capacity at the pleasure of the governor.

Sec. 2021.056. MEETINGS; OFFICIAL RECORD. (a) The commission shall meet not less than six times each year.

(b) The commission may meet at other times at the call of the presiding officer or as provided by commission rule.

(c) The commission shall keep an official record of all commission meetings and proceedings.

Sec. 2021.057. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL. (a) It is a ground for removal from the commission that a member:

(1) does not have at the time of taking office the qualifications required by Section 2021.052;

(2) does not maintain during service on the commission the qualifications required by Section 2021.052;

(3) is ineligible for membership under Section 2021.053;

(4) cannot, because of illness or disability, discharge the member's duties for a substantial part of the member's term; or

(5) is absent from more than half of the regularly scheduled commission meetings that the member is eligible to attend during a calendar year without an excuse approved by a majority vote of the commission.

(b) The validity of an action of the commission is not affected by the fact that it is taken when a ground for removal of a commission member exists.

(c) If the executive director has knowledge that a potential ground for removal of a commission member exists, the executive director shall notify the presiding officer of the commission of the potential ground. The presiding officer shall then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists. If the potential ground for removal involves the presiding officer, the executive director shall notify the next highest officer of the commission, who shall notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential ground for removal exists.

Sec. 2021.058. TRAINING. (a) A person who is appointed to and qualifies for office as a member of the commission may not vote, deliberate, or be counted as a member in attendance at a meeting of the commission until the person completes a training program that complies with this section.

(b) The training program must provide the person with information regarding:

(1) this subtitle and the other laws administered by the commission;

(2) the commission's programs, functions, rules, and budget;

(3) the results of the most recent formal audit of the commission;

(4) the requirements of laws relating to open meetings, public information, administrative procedure, and conflict of interest; and

(5) any applicable ethics policies adopted by the commission or the Texas Ethics Commission.

(c) A person appointed to the commission is entitled to reimbursement, as provided by the General Appropriations Act, for travel expenses incurred in attending the training program regardless of whether the attendance at the program occurs before or after the person qualifies for office.

Sec. 2021.059. QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS OF CONDUCT INFORMATION. The executive director or the executive director's designee shall provide to members of the commission, as often as necessary, information regarding their:

(1) qualifications for office under this chapter; and

(2) responsibilities under applicable laws relating to standards of conduct for state officers.

Sec. 2021.060. BOND. (a) Before assuming the duties of office, a member of the commission must execute a bond in the amount of $25,000 payable to the state and conditioned on the member's faithful performance of the member's duties of office.

(b) The bond must be approved by the governor.

(c) The cost of the bond shall be paid by the commission.

Sec. 2021.061. PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN ACTIVITIES. (a) A member of the commission may not:

(1) use the member's official authority to affect the result of an election or nomination for public office; or

(2) directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, or advise a person to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to another person for political purposes.

(b) A commission member or the spouse of a commission member may not solicit or accept employment from a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval holder under a law administered by the commission or from an applicant for a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval before the second anniversary of the date the commission member's service on the commission ends.

Sec. 2021.062. APPLICATION OF FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE LAW. For purposes of Chapter 572, Government Code, a member of the commission, the executive director, and the division directors are appointed officers of a major state agency.

Sec. 2021.063. PER DIEM; EXPENSES. (a) A member of the commission is entitled to:

(1) a per diem in an amount prescribed by appropriation for each day spent in performing the duties of the member; and

(2) reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing those duties.

(b) Reimbursement for expenses under this section is subject to any applicable limitation in the General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 2021.064. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. (a) The commission shall appoint an executive director, who serves at the pleasure of the commission.

(b) A person holding an elective office or an officer or official of a political party is not eligible for appointment as executive director.

(c) The executive director must have five or more years of responsible administrative experience in public or business administration or possess broad management skills.

(d) The executive director may not pursue any other business or occupation or hold any other office for profit.

(e) The executive director must meet all eligibility requirements relating to members of the commission, except the requirement for prior residency in this state.

(f) The executive director is entitled to an annual salary and other compensation specified by the commission.

(g) The executive director may not, before the second anniversary of the date the director's service to the commission ends, acquire a direct or indirect interest in or be employed by a person licensed or registered by the commission in connection with the conduct of gaming or the provision of casino services in this state.

Sec. 2021.065. OFFICES. The commission shall maintain its primary office in Travis County and may maintain other offices determined to be necessary by the commission.

Sec. 2021.066. AUTHORITY TO SUE OR BE SUED. (a) The commission may sue and be sued.

(b) Service of process in a suit against the commission may be secured by serving the executive director.

(c) A suit against the commission must be brought in Travis County.

Sec. 2021.067. AUDIT. The transactions of the commission are subject to audit by the state auditor under Chapter 321, Government Code.

[Sections 2021.068-2021.100 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER C. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION

Sec. 2021.101. GENERAL POWERS. (a) The commission has broad authority and shall exercise strict control and close supervision over all activities authorized and conducted in this state under a law administered by the commission, including:

(1) this subtitle; and

(2) the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

(b) The commission shall ensure that all casino games, slot machine gaming, and other gaming activities subject to the oversight or regulatory authority of the commission are conducted fairly and in compliance with the law.

(c) The commission also has the powers and duties granted under:

(1) Chapter 2022;

(2) Chapter 2023; and

(3) the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

(d) All aspects of this subtitle and the other laws administered by the commission, including those relating to licensing, qualification, execution, and enforcement, shall be administered by the executive director and the commission for the protection of the public and in the public interest.

(e) The commission and the executive director have full power and authority to hold hearings and, in connection with the hearings, to issue subpoenas, to compel the attendance of witnesses at any place in this state, to administer oaths, and to require testimony under oath. Any process or notice relating to a hearing may be served in the manner provided for service of process and notices in civil actions. The commission and the executive director may pay transportation and other expenses of witnesses as they consider reasonable.

(f) The executive director and the executive director's authorized employees may:

(1) inspect and examine a premises where gaming is conducted or equipment or supplies, including an electronic or other gaming device, or associated equipment is manufactured, assembled, produced, programmed, sold, leased, marketed, distributed, repaired, or modified for use in gaming;

(2) for good cause, seize and remove from a premises and impound equipment or supplies for the purpose of examination and inspection; and

(3) demand access to, inspect, examine, photocopy, or audit papers, books, and records of applicants and license and certificate holders, on their premises or elsewhere as practicable, in the presence of the license or certificate holder or the license or certificate holder's agent, reporting the gross income produced by a gaming business, verification of the gross income, and other matters affecting the enforcement of this subtitle or other law administered by the commission.

(g) For the purpose of conducting audits after the cessation of gaming by a license or certificate holder, a former license holder shall furnish, on demand of the executive director or the executive director's authorized employees, books, papers, and records as necessary to conduct the audits. The former license or certificate holder shall maintain all books, papers, and records necessary for audits for three years after the date of the surrender or revocation of the license or certificate and is responsible for the costs incurred by the commission in the conduct of an audit under this section. If the former license or certificate holder seeks judicial review of a deficiency determination or files a petition for a redetermination, the former license or certificate holder must maintain all books, papers, and records until a final order is entered on the determination.

(h) The commission shall contract with an independent testing laboratory to scientifically test and technically evaluate casino games, slot machine games, and associated equipment for compliance with this subtitle. The independent testing laboratory must have a national reputation of being demonstrably competent and must be qualified to scientifically test and evaluate all components of casino games, slot machine games, and associated equipment for compliance with this subtitle and to perform the functions assigned to it under this subtitle. An independent testing laboratory may not be owned or controlled by a person licensed to conduct casino or slot games or to manufacture gaming equipment. The use of an independent testing laboratory for purposes related to the conduct of gaming under this subtitle must be made from a list of one or more laboratories approved by the commission.

Sec. 2021.102. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY. (a) The commission shall adopt rules the commission considers necessary or desirable for the public interest in carrying out the policy and provisions of this subtitle and the other laws administered by the commission.

(b) The rules shall set out:

(1) the method and form of application that an applicant for a license or certificate of registration under this subtitle must follow and complete before consideration of an application by the commission;

(2) the information to be furnished by an applicant or license or certificate holder under Chapter 2022 concerning antecedents, habits, character, associates, criminal record, business activities, and financial affairs;

(3) the criteria to be used in the award, revocation, and suspension of licenses or certificates under Chapter 2022;

(4) the information to be furnished by a license or certificate holder under Chapter 2022 relating to the holder's employees;

(5) the manner and procedure of hearings conducted by the commission or a hearing examiner of the commission;

(6) the payment of fees or costs an applicant or license or certificate holder under Chapter 2022 must pay;

(7) the procedures for the issuance of temporary licenses and certificates and temporary qualification to hold equity interests and creditor interests in owner's license and certificate holders under Chapter 2022;

(8) the manner and method of collection and payment of fees and the issuance of licenses and certificates;

(9) the definition of "unsuitable method of operation";

(10) the conditions under which the nonpayment of a gambling debt by a license or certificate holder constitutes grounds for disciplinary action;

(11) the manner of approval of gambling games, slot machines, and other electronic gaming devices;

(12) access to confidential information obtained under this chapter, Chapter 2022, Chapter 2023, or other law and means to ensure that the confidentiality of the information is maintained and protected;

(13) financial reporting and internal control requirements for license or certificate holders;

(14) the manner in which money awarded to players of casino games, compensation from casino games and slot machines, gross gaming revenue, and net slot income must be computed and reported under Chapter 2022;

(15) requirements for the annual audit of the financial statements of a license or certificate holder;

(16) requirements for periodic financial reports from each license or certificate holder consistent with standards and intervals prescribed by the commission;

(17) the procedures to be followed by a license or certificate holder for excluding a person from a casino or slot establishment; and

(18) the procedures for exempting or waiving institutional investors from the licensing or registration requirements for shareholders of publicly traded corporations.

Sec. 2021.103. AUTHORITY OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. (a) With commission approval, the executive director may create executive positions as the director considers necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter, Chapter 2022, Chapter 2023, and any other law administered by the commission.

(b) The executive director shall employ directors in the areas of audit, investigation, and enforcement. The audit director must be a certified public accountant, have five or more years of progressively responsible experience in general accounting, and have a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of corporate finance or must possess qualifications of an expert in the field of corporate finance and auditing, general finance, gaming, and economics. Other directors must possess five or more years of training and experience in the fields of investigation, law enforcement, law, or gaming.

(c) The executive director may investigate, for the purpose of prosecution, a suspected criminal violation of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission. For the purpose of the administration and enforcement of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission, the executive director and employees designated by the executive director may be commissioned as peace officers.

(d) The executive director, to further the objectives and purposes of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission, may:

(1) direct and supervise all administrative actions of the commission;

(2) bring legal action in the name and on behalf of the commission;

(3) make, execute, and effect an agreement or contract authorized by the commission;

(4) employ the services of persons considered necessary for consultation or investigation and set the salaries of or contract for the services of legal, professional, technical, and operational personnel and consultants, except that outside legal assistance may be retained only with the approval of the attorney general;

(5) acquire furnishings, equipment, supplies, stationery, books, and all other things the executive director considers necessary or desirable in carrying out the executive director's functions; and

(6) perform other duties the executive director may consider necessary to effect the purposes of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission.

(e) Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle, the costs of administration incurred by the executive director shall be paid in the same manner as other claims against the state are paid.

Sec. 2021.104. OFFICE OF HEARING EXAMINERS. (a) The commission shall create an office of hearing examiners to assist the commission in carrying out its powers and duties.

(b) The office of hearing examiners shall:

(1) hold hearings under the authority of the commission on matters relating to the commission's administration of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission as the commission orders; and

(2) report after hearing in the manner prescribed by the commission.

(c) The commission shall refer any contested case arising under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission to the office of hearing examiners.

(d) The office of hearing examiners is independent of the executive director and is under the exclusive control of the commission.

(e) The office of hearing examiners is under the direction of a chief hearing examiner appointed by the commission.

(f) The commission may authorize the chief hearing examiner to delegate to one or more hearing examiners the authority to hold any hearing called by the chief hearing examiner.

(g) The chief hearing examiner and all assistant hearing examiners employed by the office of hearing examiners must be attorneys licensed to practice law in this state.

(h) The chief hearing examiner and all assistant hearing examiners may administer oaths, receive evidence, and issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers and documents in all matters delegated by the commission.

(i) The chief hearing examiner and all assistant hearing examiners are entitled to an annual salary and other compensation specified by the commission.

(j) The office of hearing examiners may contract for additional services it considers necessary to carry out its powers.

Sec. 2021.105. JUDICIAL REVIEW IN CONTESTED CASES. A final ruling of the commission in a contested case is subject to judicial review under Chapter 2001, Government Code. Judicial review is under the substantial evidence rule.

Sec. 2021.106. RECORDS; CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. (a) The executive director shall maintain a file of all applications for licenses, certificates of registration, findings of suitability, or approvals under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission, together with a record of all action taken with respect to the applications.

(b) The commission and the executive director may maintain other records they consider desirable.

(c) The information made confidential by this subsection may be disclosed, wholly or partly, only in the course of the necessary administration of this subtitle or other law administered by the commission, under Section 2022.402, or on the order of a court of competent jurisdiction, except that the executive director or the commission may disclose the information to an authorized agent of any agency of the United States, another state, or a political subdivision of this state authorized under commission rules. Notice of the content of any information furnished or released under this subsection may be given to any affected applicant or license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval holder as prescribed by commission rule. The following information is confidential:

(1) information requested by the commission or the executive director to be furnished to either of them under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission or that may otherwise be obtained relating to the finances, earnings, or revenue of an applicant or license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder;

(2) information pertaining to an applicant's criminal record, antecedents, and background that has been furnished to or obtained by the commission or the executive director from any source;

(3) information provided to the commission or the executive director or a commission employee by a governmental agency or an informer or on the assurance that the information will be held in confidence and treated as confidential;

(4) information obtained by the executive director or the commission from a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder, including a casino service license holder, relating to the manufacturing, modification, or repair of gaming devices;

(5) security plans and procedures of the commission designed to ensure the integrity and security of the regulation and operation of gaming;

(6) the street address and telephone number of a prize winner, if the prize winner has not consented to the release of the information; and

(7) information relating to all system operations of gambling games, including security related to gambling games, and commission plans and procedures intended to ensure the integrity and security of the operation of gambling games.

Sec. 2021.107. REPRESENTATION BY ATTORNEY GENERAL. (a) The attorney general shall represent the commission and the executive director in any proceeding to which the commission or the executive director is a party under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission or in any suit filed against the commission or executive director.

(b) The office of the attorney general on request shall advise the commission and the executive director in all other matters, including representing the commission when the commission acts in its official capacity.

Sec. 2021.108. RULES RESTRICTING ADVERTISING OR COMPETITIVE BIDDING. (a) The commission may not adopt rules restricting advertising or competitive bidding by a person regulated by the commission except to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices by that person.

(b) The commission may not include in its rules to prohibit false, misleading, or deceptive practices by a person regulated by the commission a rule that:

(1) restricts the use of any advertising medium;

(2) restricts the person's personal appearance or the use of the person's voice in an advertisement;

(3) relates to the size or duration of an advertisement by the person; or

(4) restricts the use of a trade name in advertising by the person.

Sec. 2021.109. RULES ON CONSEQUENCES OF CRIMINAL CONVICTION. (a) The commission shall adopt rules necessary to comply with Chapter 53.

(b) In its rules under this section, the commission shall list the specific offenses for which a conviction would constitute grounds for the commission to take action under Section 53.021.

Sec. 2021.110. SUBPOENA. (a) The commission may request and, if necessary, compel by subpoena:

(1) the attendance of a witness for examination under oath; and

(2) the production for inspection and copying of records and other evidence relevant to the investigation of an alleged violation of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission.

(b) If a person fails to comply with a subpoena issued under this section, the commission, acting through the attorney general, may file suit to enforce the subpoena in a district court in Travis County or in the county in which a hearing conducted by the commission may be held.

(c) The court shall order a person to comply with the subpoena if the court determines that good cause exists for issuing the subpoena.

Sec. 2021.111. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policymaking responsibilities of the commission and the management responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the commission.

Sec. 2021.112. USE OF TECHNOLOGY. The commission shall implement a policy requiring the commission to use appropriate technological solutions to improve the commission's ability to perform its functions. The policy must ensure that the public is able to interact with the commission on the Internet.

Sec. 2021.113. NEGOTIATED RULEMAKING AND ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY. (a) The commission shall develop and implement a policy to encourage the use of:

(1) negotiated rulemaking procedures under Chapter 2008, Government Code, for the adoption of commission rules; and

(2) appropriate alternative dispute resolution procedures under Chapter 2009, Government Code, to assist in the resolution of internal and external disputes under the commission's jurisdiction.

(b) The commission's procedures relating to alternative dispute resolution must conform, to the extent possible, to any model guidelines issued by the State Office of Administrative Hearings for the use of alternative dispute resolution by state agencies.

(c) The commission shall designate a trained person to:

(1) coordinate the implementation of the policy adopted under Subsection (a);

(2) serve as a resource for any training needed to implement the procedures for negotiated rulemaking or alternative dispute resolution; and

(3) collect data concerning the effectiveness of those procedures, as implemented by the commission.

Sec. 2021.114. COMMITTEES. The commission may appoint committees that it considers necessary to carry out its duties.

Sec. 2021.115. DIVISIONS. (a) The commission shall establish separate divisions to oversee and regulate:

(1) casino gaming and slot machine gaming conducted under Chapters 2022 and 2023; and

(2) pari-mutuel racing.

(b) To facilitate the operations of the commission or a division of the commission, the commission or executive director may delegate to a division or a division director a specific power or duty given to the commission or executive director under this subtitle or other law.

(c) A division director shall, at the request of the executive commissioner, assist in the development of rules and policies for the operation and provision of a division of the commission. The division director:

(1) acts on behalf of the executive director in performing the delegated function; and

(2) reports to the executive director regarding the delegated function and any matter affecting commission programs and operations.

(d) The commission shall delegate responsibilities in the administration of Chapter 2022 or 2023 to the executive director, the director of the appropriate division, and the division's staff, but may not delegate the following actions:

(1) a final determination in any application or request for licensing, registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval;

(2) a final determination in any proceeding involving the suspension or revocation of a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval;

(3) a final determination that Chapter 2022 or 2023 has been violated; or

(4) a final determination or imposition of an assessment of fines or penalties.

Sec. 2021.116. CONTRACT AUTHORITY. (a) The commission and executive director have broad authority and shall exercise strict control and close supervision over gambling games played in this state to promote and ensure integrity, security, honesty, and fairness in the operation and administration of gaming under this subtitle.

(b) The executive director may contract with or employ a person to perform a function, activity, or service in connection with the operation of gaming under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission as prescribed by the executive director. A contract relating to the operation of gaming must be consistent with this subtitle.

(c) The executive director may award a contract for gaming supplies, equipment, or services, including a contract under Subsection (b), pending the completion of any investigation and license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval authorized or required by this subtitle. A contract awarded under this subsection must include a provision permitting the executive director to terminate the contract without penalty if the investigation reveals that the person to whom the contract is awarded does not satisfy the applicable requirements for a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this subtitle.

(d) In the acquisition or provision of facilities, supplies, equipment, materials, or services related to the implementation of gaming under Chapter 2022 or 2023, the commission must comply with procurement procedures prescribed under Subtitle D, Title 10, Government Code.

Sec. 2021.117. INVESTIGATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT. (a) The attorney general, the district attorney for Travis County, or the district attorney, criminal district attorney, or county attorney for the county in which the violation or alleged violation occurred may investigate a violation or alleged violation of this subtitle or of the penal laws of this state by the commission, its employees, or a person regulated under this subtitle.

(b) The commission may investigate violations of this subtitle and rules adopted under this subtitle or another law administered by the commission and may file a complaint requesting that an investigation be conducted as provided by Subsection (a).

Sec. 2021.118. SECURITY. (a) The executive director shall maintain a department of security in the commission. The executive director shall appoint a deputy to administer the department. The deputy must be qualified by training and experience in law enforcement or security to supervise, direct, and administer the activities of the department.

(b) The executive director may employ security officers or investigators as the executive director considers necessary and may commission security officers or investigators as peace officers. The deputy and all investigators employed by the department of security as peace officers must meet the requirements under Chapter 415, Government Code, for employment and commission as peace officers.

(c) A security officer or investigator employed by the department of security or a peace officer who is working in conjunction with the commission or the Department of Public Safety in the enforcement of this subtitle may:

(1) without a search warrant, search and seize a gaming device or other gaming equipment that is located on premises for which a person holds a license issued under this subtitle; or

(2) seize a gaming device or other gaming equipment that is being used or is in the possession of any person in violation of this subtitle or another law administered by the commission.

(d) The Department of Public Safety or any other state or local law enforcement agency in this state, at the commission's request and in accordance with an interagency agreement, shall perform a full criminal background investigation of a prospective deputy or investigator of the department of security. The commission shall reimburse the agency for the actual costs of an investigation.

(e) At least once every two years, the executive director shall employ an independent firm that is experienced in security, including computer security and systems security, to conduct a comprehensive study of all aspects of gaming security.

Sec. 2021.119. DEMOGRAPHIC STUDIES. (a) The executive director shall, every two years, employ an independent firm experienced in demographic analysis to conduct a demographic study of players of gambling games. The study must include the income, age, sex, race, education, and frequency of participation of players of the games.

(b) The executive director shall report the results of the demographic study to the commission, the governor, and the legislature before January 1 of each odd-numbered year.

Sec. 2021.120. PROHIBITED GAMES. (a) Except as provided by this subtitle or other law, the executive director or any other person may not establish or operate a gambling game in which the winner is chosen on the basis of the outcome of a sports event.

(b) Except as provided by Chapter 2001 or this subtitle, the operation of any game using a slot machine or other gambling device that is not authorized under this subtitle is prohibited.

(c) In this section, "sports event" means a football, basketball, baseball, or similar game, a boxing or martial arts match, or a horse or dog race on which pari-mutuel wagering is allowed.

Sec. 2021.121. REPORTS OF NET SLOT INCOME. The executive director shall prepare a monthly report of the total net slot income for all slot establishments for the preceding month.

Sec. 2021.122. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY RECORDS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, all files, records, information, compilations, documents, photographs, reports, summaries, and reviews of information and related matters collected, retained, or compiled by the Department of Public Safety in the discharge of its duties under this subtitle are confidential and are not subject to public disclosure. Each of those items is subject to discovery by a person that is the subject of the item.

(b) An investigation report or other document submitted by the Department of Public Safety to the commission becomes part of the investigative files of the commission and is subject to discovery by a person that is the subject of the investigation report or other document.

(c) Information that is in the form available to the public is not privileged or confidential under this section and is subject to public disclosure.

Sec. 2021.123. CRIMINAL HISTORY INVESTIGATION FOR GAMING. (a) The commission is entitled to conduct an investigation of and is entitled to obtain criminal history record information maintained by the Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Identification Division, or another law enforcement agency to assist in the investigation of any person directly involved with gaming regulated under this subtitle.

(b) Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle, a criminal history investigation is governed by commission rules adopted under this chapter. As applicable, the commission shall consider information obtained through a criminal history investigation conducted under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

(c) The Department of Public Safety or a state or local law enforcement agency in this state, in accordance with an interagency agreement with the commission, shall provide any assistance requested by the commission in the administration and enforcement of this subtitle, including conducting background investigations of a person seeking a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval required under this subtitle or of any person required to be named in an application for a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this subtitle.

(d) This section does not limit the commission's right to obtain criminal history record information from any other local, state, or federal agency. The commission may enter into a confidentiality agreement with the agency as necessary and proper.

(e) Except as otherwise provided by this subtitle or other law, criminal history record information obtained by the commission under this section may be disclosed only:

(1) to another law enforcement agency to assist in or further an investigation related to the commission's operation and oversight of gaming; or

(2) under a court order.

Sec. 2021.124. PLAYER AGREEMENT TO ABIDE BY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS. By participating as a player in a gambling game, a player agrees to abide by and be bound by the commission's rules and instructions, including the rules or instructions applicable to the particular gambling game involved. The player also acknowledges that the determination of whether the player is a valid winner is subject to:

(1) the commission's rules, instructions, and claims procedures, including those developed for the particular gambling game involved;

(2) any validation tests established by the commission for the particular gambling game involved; and

(3) the limitations and other provisions prescribed by this subtitle.

Sec. 2021.125. VENUE. Venue is proper in Travis County or any county in which venue is proper under Chapter 13, Code of Criminal Procedure, for:

(1) an offense under this subtitle;

(2) an offense under the Penal Code, if the accused:

(A) is regulated under this subtitle; and

(B) is alleged to have committed the offense while engaged in gaming activities; or

(3) an offense under Title 7 or 11, Penal Code, that involves property consisting of or including a gaming device or gambling game prize.

[Sections 2021.126-2021.150 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER D. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES

Sec. 2021.151. PUBLIC INTEREST INFORMATION. (a) The commission shall prepare and disseminate consumer information that describes the regulatory functions of the commission and the procedures by which consumer complaints are filed with and resolved by the commission.

(b) The commission shall make the information available to the public and appropriate state agencies.

Sec. 2021.152. COMPLAINTS. (a) The commission by rule shall establish methods by which consumers and service recipients are notified of the name, mailing address, and telephone number of the commission for the purpose of directing complaints to the commission. The commission may provide for that notice:

(1) on each form, application, or written contract for services of a person regulated under a law administered by the commission;

(2) on a sign prominently displayed in the place of business of each person regulated under a law administered by the commission; or

(3) in a bill for service provided by a person regulated under a law administered by the commission.

(b) The commission shall list with its regular telephone number any toll-free telephone number established under other state law that may be called to present a complaint about a person regulated under a law administered by the commission.

Sec. 2021.153. RECORDS OF COMPLAINTS. (a) The commission shall maintain a system to promptly and efficiently act on complaints filed with the commission. The commission shall maintain:

(1) information about the parties to the complaint and the subject matter of the complaint;

(2) a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint; and

(3) information about the disposition of the complaint.

(b) The commission shall make information available describing its procedures for complaint investigation and resolution.

(c) The commission shall periodically notify the parties of the status of the complaint until final disposition of the complaint.

Sec. 2021.154. GENERAL RULES REGARDING COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION AND DISPOSITION. The commission shall adopt rules concerning the investigation of a complaint filed with the commission. The rules must:

(1) distinguish between categories of complaints;

(2) ensure that complaints are not dismissed without appropriate consideration;

(3) require that the commission be advised of a complaint that is dismissed and that a letter be sent to the person who filed the complaint explaining the action taken on the dismissed complaint;

(4) ensure that the person who files a complaint has an opportunity to explain the allegations made in the complaint; and

(5) prescribe guidelines concerning the categories of complaints that require the use of a private investigator and the procedures for the commission to obtain the services of a private investigator.

Sec. 2021.155. DISPOSITION OF COMPLAINT. (a) The commission shall:

(1) dispose of each complaint in a timely manner; and

(2) establish a schedule for conducting each phase of a complaint that is under the control of the commission not later than the 30th day after the date the commission receives the complaint.

(b) Each party shall be notified of the projected time requirements for pursuing the complaint. The commission shall notify each party to the complaint of any change in the schedule established under Subsection (a)(2) not later than the seventh day after the date the change is made.

(c) The executive director shall notify the commission of a complaint that is not resolved within the time prescribed by the commission for resolving the complaint.

Sec. 2021.156. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION. (a) The commission shall develop and implement policies that provide the public with a reasonable opportunity to appear before the commission and to speak on any issue under the commission's jurisdiction.

(b) The commission shall prepare and maintain a written plan that describes how a person who does not speak English may be provided reasonable access to the commission's programs.

Sec. 2021.157. INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE. The commission shall establish guidelines for an informal settlement conference related to a complaint filed with the commission.

CHAPTER 2022. CASINO AND SLOT GAMING

SUBCHAPTER A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 2022.001. PUBLIC POLICY. (a) All casino gaming that is conducted in this state and that is authorized by law shall be regulated and licensed under this chapter, unless federal law or another state law specifically provides otherwise.

(b) The legislature hereby finds, and declares it to be the public policy of this state, that:

(1) the development of regulated limited casino gaming in the state will benefit the general welfare of the people of this state by enhancing investment, development, and tourism in this state, resulting in new jobs and additional revenues to the state;

(2) the conduct of regulated casino gaming in a limited number of casinos and slot establishments will not harm the people of this state;

(3) the regulation of gaming in this state is important to ensure that gaming is:

(A) conducted honestly and competitively; and

(B) free from criminal and corruptive elements;

(4) public confidence and trust can be maintained only by strict regulation of all persons, locations, practices, associations, and activities related to the conduct of gaming and the casino service industry;

(5) persons owning any direct or indirect material interest in a casino should be licensed and controlled to protect the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of this state;

(6) certain operators and employees of casinos and slot establishments should be regulated, licensed, and controlled to accomplish and promote these public policies while protecting the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of this state;

(7) certain persons engaging in the casino service industry should be regulated, licensed, and controlled to accomplish and promote these public policies while protecting the public health, safety, morals, good order, and general welfare of the people of this state; and

(8) it is the intent of this chapter, where possible, to use the resources, goods, labor, and services of the people of this state in the ownership, operation, and construction of casinos and slot establishments and related amenities to the extent allowable by law.

Sec. 2022.002. EXEMPTION FROM FEDERAL STATUTES. (a) Under Section 2, 64 Stat. 1134 (15 U.S.C. Section 1172), this state declares that this state is exempt from that section.

(b) All shipments of gaming devices into this state, including slot machines, conducted in compliance with the applicable provisions of 15 U.S.C. Sections 1173 and 1174 are legal shipments of the devices into this state.

Sec. 2022.003. CONSTRUCTION; APPLICABILITY OF OTHER LAWS. (a) Nothing in this chapter may be construed to implicitly repeal or modify existing state laws with respect to gambling, except that gaming devices or slot machines are not prohibited by another law if conducted as authorized under this chapter.

(b) To the extent of any inconsistency between Chapter 2003, Government Code, and this chapter or a commission rule governing gaming devices, this chapter or the commission rule controls in all matters related to gaming devices, including hearings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Sec. 2022.004. AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT GAMING. (a) The commission may implement gaming in accordance with this subtitle and, for a slot establishment at a racetrack, the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes). This chapter supersedes any conflicting or inconsistent provision of the Texas Racing Act.

(b) The commission shall allow the operation of gaming pursuant to this subtitle at locations on Indian lands in accordance with an effective gaming agreement and in compliance with applicable federal law.

Sec. 2022.005. RULES FOR ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS. The commission by rule may establish other license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval qualifications under this chapter that the commission determines are in the public interest and consistent with the declared policy of this state.

Sec. 2022.006. IMMUNITY FOR STATEMENT MADE IN PROCEEDING OR INVESTIGATION. Any written or oral statement made in the course of an official commission proceeding or investigative activities related to an application for commission licensing, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this chapter, by any member or agent of the commission or any witness testifying under oath, that is relevant to the purpose of the proceeding is absolutely privileged and does not impose liability for defamation or constitute a ground for recovery in any civil action.

Sec. 2022.007. FINDING OF SUITABILITY. To promote the integrity and security of gaming under this subtitle, the commission in its discretion may require a finding of suitability for any person doing business with or in relation to the operation of gaming who is not otherwise required to obtain a license, certificate of registration, or other affirmative regulatory approval from the commission for the person's gaming-related operations.

Sec. 2022.008. CONSENT TO COMMISSION DETERMINATION. (a) An application for a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this chapter constitutes a request to the commission for a decision on the applicant's general suitability, character, integrity, and ability to participate or engage in or be associated with gaming under this chapter in the manner or position sought.

(b) By filing an application with the commission, the applicant specifically consents to the commission's decision at the commission's election when the application, after filing, becomes moot for any reason other than death.

Sec. 2022.009. ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY OF COMMISSION. To protect the integrity of gaming under this subtitle or the public health, welfare, or safety, or to prevent financial loss to this state, the commission has full and absolute power and authority to:

(1) deny any application or limit, condition, restrict, revoke, or suspend any license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval; and

(2) fine any person licensed, registered, found suitable, or approved for any cause considered reasonable by the commission.

Sec. 2022.010. LICENSING, REGISTRATION, SUITABILITY, AND REGULATORY APPROVAL AS REVOCABLE PERSONAL PRIVILEGES. (a) An applicant for a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this chapter does not have any right to the license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval sought.

(b) Any license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval granted under this chapter is a revocable privilege, and a holder of the privilege does not acquire any vested right in or under the privilege.

(c) The courts of this state do not have jurisdiction to review a decision to deny, limit, or condition the license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval unless the judicial review is sought on the ground that the denial, limitation, or condition is based on a suspect classification, such as race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, in violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. The state court must affirm the commission's action unless the violation is proven by clear and convincing evidence. If a state court has jurisdiction over a claim under this section, then this state's sovereign immunity is waived only to the extent expressly provided by Section 2022.410.

(d) A license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval granted or renewed under this chapter may not be transferred or assigned to another person unless approved in advance by the commission, and a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval may not be pledged as collateral. The purchaser or successor of a person who has been granted a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval must independently qualify for a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval required by this chapter.

(e) The following acts void the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval of the holder unless approved in advance by the commission:

(1) the transfer, sale, or other disposition of an interest in the holder that results in a change in the identity of an equity or creditor interest holder; or

(2) the sale of the assets of the holder, other than assets bought and sold in the ordinary course of business, or any interest in the assets, to any person not already determined to have met the applicable qualifications of this chapter.

Sec. 2022.011. PRIZE RULES, PAYMENT, AND REDEMPTION. (a) The commission shall adopt rules governing:

(1) the amount a player may be charged to play a gambling game; and

(2) the prizes and credits that may be awarded to the player of a gambling game.

(b) Payment of prizes is the sole and exclusive responsibility of the casino or slot establishment, as applicable. A prize may not be paid by the commission or this state except as otherwise authorized.

(c) Nothing in this chapter limits the ability of a casino or slot establishment to provide promotional prizes, including wide area progressive networks, in addition to prize payouts regulated by the commission.

(d) The commission shall enact rules consistent with this section governing the use and redemption of prizes and credits recorded on player account records, such as players' club cards and smart cards.

Sec. 2022.012. REPORT ON LITIGATION. (a) A casino or slot establishment shall report to the commission any litigation relating to the casino or slot establishment, including a criminal proceeding, a proceeding involving an issue related to racing activities that impact slot machine operations, or a matter related to character or reputation relevant to a person's suitability under this chapter.

(b) The report required under Subsection (a) must be filed not later than the fifth day after the date the owner or operator acquires knowledge of the litigation.

Sec. 2022.013. COMMISSION APPROVAL REQUIRED FOR PROCEDURES AND ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING CONTROLS. (a) The commission's approval is required for all internal procedures and administrative and accounting controls of a casino owner or operator or a slot establishment owner or operator.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish general accounting and auditing requirements and internal control standards for casinos and slot establishments.

Sec. 2022.014. EMPLOYEE REPORTING. (a) On or before the 15th day of each month, a casino owner or operator or slot establishment owner or operator shall submit to the commission an employee report for the casino or slot establishment operated by the owner or operator. For each employee of the casino or establishment, the report must provide the employee's name, job title, date of birth, and social security number.

(b) The employee report is confidential and may not be disclosed except under commission order or in accordance with this subtitle.

(c) The commission may conduct criminal history investigations for employees of casinos or slot establishments.

(d) The commission may prohibit an employee from performing any act relating to gaming if the commission finds that an employee has:

(1) committed, attempted, or conspired to commit any act prohibited by this chapter;

(2) concealed or refused to disclose any material fact in any commission investigation;

(3) committed, attempted, or conspired to commit larceny or embezzlement;

(4) been convicted in any jurisdiction of an offense involving or relating to gambling;

(5) accepted employment in a position for which commission approval is required after commission approval was denied for a reason involving personal unsuitability or after failing to apply for approval on commission request;

(6) been prohibited under color of governmental authority from being present on the premises of any casino or slot establishment or any establishment where pari-mutuel wagering is conducted for any reason relating to improper gambling activity or for any illegal act;

(7) willfully defied any legislative investigative committee or other officially constituted body acting on behalf of the United States or any state, county, or municipality that sought to investigate alleged or potential crimes relating to gaming, corruption of public officials, or any organized criminal activities; or

(8) been convicted of any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude.

(e) The commission may prohibit an employee from performing any act relating to gaming based on a revocation or suspension of any gaming or wagering license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval or for any other reason the commission finds appropriate, including a refusal by a regulatory authority to issue a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other approval for the employee to engage in or be involved with gaming or with regulated gaming or pari-mutuel wagering in any jurisdiction.

(f) In this section, "employee" includes any person connected directly with or compensated by an applicant or license holder as an agent, personal representative, consultant, independent contractor, or lobbyist for the advocacy of the adoption or amendment of a law related to gaming activities or the furtherance of gaming activities in any jurisdiction or as otherwise specified by commission rule.

Sec. 2022.015. REPORT OF VIOLATIONS. A person who holds a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval under this chapter shall immediately report a violation or suspected violation of this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter by any license, certificate, suitability, or approval holder, by an employee of a license, certificate, suitability, or approval holder, or by any person on the premises of a casino or slot establishment, whether or not associated with the license, certificate, suitability, or approval holder.

Sec. 2022.016. INDEMNIFICATION, INSURANCE, AND BONDING REQUIREMENTS. (a) A license, certificate, suitability, or approval holder shall indemnify and hold harmless this state, the commission, and all officers and employees of this state and the commission from any and all claims which may be asserted against a holder of a license, certificate, suitability, or approval, the commission, this state, and the members, officers, employees, and authorized agents of this state or the commission arising from the license, certificate, suitability, or approval holder's participation in gaming authorized under this subtitle.

(b) Surety and insurance required under this chapter shall be issued by companies or financial institutions financially rated "A" or better as rated by A.M. Best Company or other rating organization designated by the commission and duly licensed, admitted, and authorized to conduct business in this state, or by other surety approved by the commission.

(c) The commission shall be named as the obligee in each required surety and as an additional insured in each required insurance contract.

(d) A casino owner or operator or a slot establishment owner or operator may not be self-insured with regard to gaming operations under this section.

(e) The commission by rule shall establish minimum insurance coverage requirements for license holders under this chapter, including:

(1) insurance for performance;

(2) insurance against losses caused by fraudulent or dishonest acts by an officer or employee of the license holder;

(3) general liability insurance;

(4) property insurance;

(5) liability insurance for vehicles used and drivers employed by a license holder; and

(6) crime insurance for the location.

Sec. 2022.017. LIABILITY FOR CREDIT AWARDED OR DENIED; PLAYER DISPUTE. This state and the commission are not liable for any gaming device malfunction or error by a casino or slot establishment that causes credit to be wrongfully awarded or denied to players.

[Sections 2022.018-2022.050 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER B. CASINO OWNER'S LICENSE

Sec. 2022.051. CASINO OWNER'S LICENSE. (a) Gaming may lawfully be conducted in a casino operating under a casino owner's license.

(b) It is unlawful for a person to own an equity interest in a casino that conducts gaming in this state for which a casino owner's license is not in effect.

(c) A separate casino owner's license must be obtained for each casino conducting gaming.

Sec. 2022.052. ALLOCATION AND ISSUANCE OF CASINO OWNER'S LICENSES; TEMPORARY LICENSE. (a) The commission shall award nine casino owner's licenses to applicants for casino-anchored destination attraction development projects as follows:

(1) seven casino owner's licenses in urban areas, allocated by population; and

(2) two casino owner's licenses on islands in the Gulf of Mexico that are tourist destinations with at least 1,000 guest rooms available for visitors in hotels, motels, or condominiums existing on January 1, 2009.

(b) In addition to the casino owner's licenses issued under the other provisions of this section, the commission may issue three additional casino owner's licenses to applicants based on evidence that demonstrates that the issuance of the license to the applicant would have a significant positive economic impact in the area in which the casino would be operated and on this state.

(c) In addition to the casino owner's licenses issued under the other provisions of this section, the commission may issue a casino owner's license to a federally recognized Indian tribe that had land in this state held in trust by the United States on January 1, 1998. A license under this subsection authorizes the tribe to operate only one casino on tribal lands held in trust by the United States on January 1, 1998.

(d) A casino owner's license issued by the commission under Subsection (c) to an Indian tribe constitutes an agreement between this state and the tribe for purposes of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (18 U.S.C. Section 1166 et seq. and 25 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.).

(e) Except as to simulcast common pool wagering conducted in a casino and except as otherwise authorized by the commission, the casino operations and financial records of a casino owner's license holder under Subsection (b) who also holds a pari-mutuel license under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) shall be kept separate from the racing operations and records of the license holder.

(f) An Indian tribe to which Subsection (c) applies may, in lieu of a casino owner's license, operate a casino on Indian land described by Subsection (c) under an agreement with this state. The agreement is governed by this chapter and Chapter 2023, except that the commission by rule may modify the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 2023 if necessary to make those provisions applicable to casino gaming.

(g) Notwithstanding Subsections (a), (b), and (c):

(1) a license may not be issued in a county unless:

(A) a majority of the voters of the county voting in the 2009 constitutional amendment election to authorize casino gaming voted in favor of the proposition to authorize casino gaming; or

(B) the voters of the county have approved a proposition legalizing casino gaming at a local option election held under this chapter;

(2) not more than three casino owner's licenses may be issued for casinos to be located in the same county; and

(3) a casino owner's license may not be issued for a location within an area in which casino gaming or slot gaming is prohibited under a gaming agreement.

(h) In allocating licenses under this section and in addition to the other suitability criteria described in this chapter, the commission may favorably consider whether a substantial percentage of the owners of a proposed casino facility are residents of this state who have maintained their residency in this state for not less than two years preceding the application date.

(i) For purposes of determining the location of a casino, a casino is considered to be located in the county in which the main public entrance to the casino is located.

(j) The commission may issue a temporary license for one year or less to authorize the casino owner's license holder to temporarily conduct casino gaming in accordance with commission rules at a location within 1,000 feet of the site for which the casino license was granted.

(k) A person may not beneficially own, directly or indirectly, an equity interest of more than five percent of the total equity interest in more than three casino owner's license holders.

(l) A person may not operate, either under a casino owner's license or under a casino operator's license, more than three casinos.

Sec. 2022.053. APPLICATION. (a) Application for a casino owner's license shall be made according to the rules of the commission and shall contain information the commission finds necessary to determine the suitability and eligibility of the applicant, the eligibility of the proposed location, and the economic impact of the overall casino project.

(b) In addition to any other information the commission may require, an application must include the following information concerning the feasibility of the overall casino project:

(1) proof that gaming was approved under the 2009 constitutional amendment or has been approved through a local option election under this chapter by the voters of the county where the casino is to be located;

(2) evidence that the applicant possesses, or has the right to acquire, sufficient real property on which the proposed casino will be located in order to allow the applicant's construction and operation of the casino project substantially as proposed;

(3) evidence that the applicant possesses, or reasonably expects to obtain, all state, county, and municipal permits and approvals necessary for the construction and operation of the proposed casino within the time periods prescribed in this chapter; and

(4) evidence that the applicant is prepared to begin construction of its proposed casino within 18 months of receiving a casino owner's license and to proceed with the construction of the casino without unnecessary delay.

(c) An applicant may apply for more than one casino owner's license relating to more than one casino but must submit a separate application for each casino for which a casino owner's license is sought.

(d) An application for a casino owner's license must be accompanied by the nonrefundable application fee set out in Section 2022.252.

Sec. 2022.054. MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS. (a) A company is eligible to apply for and hold a casino owner's license only if:

(1) the company is incorporated or organized and in good standing in this state or organized under the laws of another state of the United States and qualified to do business in this state; and

(2) the company complies with all the laws of this state.

(b) To be eligible to receive a casino owner's license to own a casino, an applicant must submit an application to the commission by the date established by the commission.

(c) An application may not be considered filed for purposes of this chapter that does not include the information prescribed by Section 2022.053(b) or that is not accompanied by the prescribed application fee.

Sec. 2022.055. CASINO LICENSE AWARD CONSIDERATIONS. (a) The commission shall determine the initial and continuing suitability of each applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license based on suitability criteria the commission adopts to ensure that all casino owner's license holders are of good character, honesty, integrity, and financial stability, that a casino owner's license holder has sufficient business probity, competence, and experience in gaming, and that a casino owner's license holder is otherwise qualified to be licensed.

(b) The commission shall give due consideration to the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the people of this state and for the reputation of the state's gaming industry.

(c) The burden of proving suitability to receive or hold a casino owner's license is on the applicant or license holder.

(d) In considering the initial and continuing suitability of an applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license, the commission may consider the suitability of:

(1) each person holding an equity interest or creditor interest in the applicant or holder;

(2) each person holding, or proposed to receive, a casino operator's license, occupational license, or manufacturer's license employed by or doing business with the applicant or holder; and

(3) each affiliate of the applicant or holder.

(e) An applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license may not receive or hold a casino owner's license if the person:

(1) has been convicted of a felony in the past 20 years under the laws of this state, any other state, or the United States;

(2) has ever been convicted of a gambling or gaming violation under the laws of this state or any other state;

(3) has ever knowingly or intentionally submitted an application for a license under this chapter that contained false information;

(4) served as a principal manager for a person described by Subdivision (1), (2), or (3);

(5) retains or employs another person described by Subdivision (2) or (3);

(6) beneficially owns any material equity interest or creditor interest in the applicant or holder and is a person described by Subdivision (1), (2), or (3);

(7) holds a manufacturer's license or casino service license;

(8) is a member of the commission; or

(9) is a member of the judiciary or an elected official of this state.

(f) The commission may adopt rules providing for a person's reciprocal determination of suitability to hold a casino owner's license based on a determination of suitability to own and operate a casino in any other jurisdiction the commission considers reasonable in light of the purpose of this chapter.

Sec. 2022.056. ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS. (a) In determining whether or, in the case of multiple applicants competing for a limited number of casino owner's licenses within a county, to whom to grant a casino owner's license, the commission shall consider the following factors:

(1) the relative prospective revenues to be collected by the state from the conduct of gaming at the casino and the overall economic impact of each competing applicant's proposed casino and associated facilities;

(2) the relative number of residents of this state who would be employed in an applicant's proposed casino and any proposed associated hotel and nongaming businesses and the relative extent of the applicant's good faith plan to recruit, train, and promote a workforce that reflects the diverse populations of this state in all employment classifications;

(3) the relative extent to which an applicant's proposed casino and any proposed associated hotel and nongaming businesses could be reasonably expected to encourage interstate tourism to this state;

(4) the relative extent to which the scope, design, location, and construction of the applicant's casino and any associated hotel and nongaming businesses could be reasonably expected to contribute to developing a first-class gaming industry in this state;

(5) the applicant's experience in conducting licensed gaming operations and the applicant's financial ability to promptly construct and adequately maintain the casino sought to be licensed, including the experience of partners of the applicant, of affiliated companies of the applicant or its partners, of key personnel of the applicant or its partners, and of operating companies under contract with the applicant; and

(6) the percentage of equity interest in the applicant owned or to be owned by residents of this state.

(b) To ensure that a requisite level of economic development benefiting the people of this state accompanies each casino for which a casino owner's license is granted, the commission shall require an applicant, as a condition to receiving and holding a casino owner's license, to commit to building a casino project that meets the requirements for a casino-anchored destination attraction development project established under Section 47a(g), Article III, Texas Constitution.

Sec. 2022.057. REVIEW OF APPLICATION. (a) The commission shall issue an order approving or denying an application for a casino owner's license not more than six months after the date of the filing of the application.

(b) The commission may adopt rules for awarding temporary or interim licensing the commission finds necessary to administer this chapter.

Sec. 2022.058. TRANSFERABILITY. A casino owner's license is not transferable and applies only to the specific site identified in the license.

Sec. 2022.059. DENIAL AND REVOCATION. (a) The commission may deny an application or revoke a casino owner's license for a reasonable cause.

(b) If the commission determines it has reasonable grounds to believe that a casino owner's license holder may be unsuitable to continue to hold a casino owner's license, the commission shall conduct an investigation and hearing under Section 2022.401 and may, based on its determination, suspend, limit, or revoke the license. On suspension or revocation of a casino owner's license, the license holder must immediately cease all gaming.

(c) If the holder of a casino owner's license fails to begin construction of a casino within 18 months after the receipt of the casino owner's license, or fails to begin gaming operations within three years after the receipt of the license, the license is forfeited, unless the commission, for good cause, has previously granted an appropriate extension of time.

(d) The right to receive and hold a casino owner's license is a revocable privilege, and not a right or property under the United States Constitution or the Texas Constitution. An applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license does not have a vested interest or right in a license granted under this chapter.

Sec. 2022.060. REGISTRATION OF INTEREST IN LICENSE. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), a person who directly or indirectly owns an equity or creditor interest in an applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license shall register and qualify with the commission under commission rules and shall provide information the commission finds necessary to determine the suitability and eligibility of the person to retain the interest.

(b) The following persons are not required to register or qualify under this section:

(1) a key employee of the casino owner's license holder that is required to apply for an occupational license under Section 2022.102;

(2) an institutional investor;

(3) a person that beneficially owns 10 percent or less of the total equity or creditor interest of the casino owner's license holder; and

(4) any other group or class of persons that the commission by rule exempts from registration or qualification.

(c) A casino owner's license holder shall provide to the commission the name, address, and interest in the casino owner's license holder of each person who is exempt from registration or qualification under Subsection (b).

(d) A registration filed under this section must be accompanied by the application fee set out in Section 2022.252.

Sec. 2022.061. TRANSFERABILITY OF INTEREST. (a) Except as provided by this subsection, a casino owner's license holder may not issue an equity or creditor interest to a person without the commission's determination of the qualification of the proposed subscriber or purchaser to hold the interest. A casino owner's license holder that is a publicly held company may issue equity or creditor interests of five percent or less of its equity or creditor interest to any person without the consent of the commission.

(b) A person beneficially owning more than five percent of the equity or creditor interest of a casino owner's license holder may not transfer any portion of the interest in the license holder to any person without the commission's determination of the qualification of the proposed transferee to hold the interest.

(c) A subscriber or proposed transferee of an interest by a casino owner's license holder shall provide the commission with information the commission considers necessary to determine the qualification of the person. The commission, not later than 60 days after the date of the application, shall determine the qualification of a subscriber or proposed transferee and approve or deny the issuance or transfer.

Sec. 2022.062. DETERMINATION OF QUALIFICATION. (a) The commission shall determine the qualification of a person to acquire or continue to hold an equity or creditor interest in an applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license based on the qualification requirements the commission adopts for the protection of the public interest to ensure that the persons holding securities issued by license holders are of good character, honesty, integrity, and financial stability, and are otherwise qualified to hold the interest.

(b) The burden of proving qualification to acquire or hold an equity or creditor interest in a license holder is on the person acquiring or holding the interest.

(c) A person is unsuitable to acquire or retain an equity or creditor interest in an applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license if the person would be unsuitable to receive a casino owner's license under Section 2022.055(e).

(d) If the commission has reasonable grounds to believe that a person holding an equity or creditor interest in an applicant for or holder of a casino owner's license may be unqualified to retain the person's interest, the commission shall conduct an investigation and hearing under Section 2022.401 and may, based on its determination, issue an unsuitability finding and divestiture order to the holder of the interest and the issuer of the interest. On receipt of a divestiture order, the person holding the interest shall tender its entire interest for purchase to the issuer or a third party on terms the commission approves.

(e) If the commission issues an unsuitability finding and divestiture order to a holder of an equity interest or creditor interest, the person subject to the order may not:

(1) receive, directly or indirectly, a dividend, interest, payment, or distribution of any kind relating to the security that is the subject of the order; or

(2) exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting power or other right with respect to the security to which the order relates.

(f) A person subject to an order may receive payment for the sale of the person's interest on terms the commission approves.

Sec. 2022.063. TEXAS ENTERPRISE FUND GRANT. A casino owner is eligible to apply for and receive a grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund under Section 481.078, Government Code.

[Sections 2022.064-2022.100 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER C. CASINO OPERATOR'S LICENSE AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE

Sec. 2022.101. CASINO OPERATOR'S LICENSE. (a) A person may not provide services as a casino operator without holding a casino operator's license.

(b) A casino operator must hold a separate casino operator's license for each casino that the casino operator operates unless the operator is also the owner of the premises and holds a casino owner's license for the premises.

Sec. 2022.102. OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE. (a) A person may not be employed as a gaming employee without holding an occupational license.

(b) The holder of an owner's license or operator's license is not required to obtain an occupational license to provide services as a gaming employee in the casino or slot establishment to which the license relates.

(c) A casino or slot establishment owner must at all times have not less than one occupational license holder designated as a key employee having responsibility over all gaming activities who shall be available at the casino or slot establishment at all times when gaming is conducted on the owner's license holder's premises.

(d) A gaming employee designated or determined to be a key employee by the commission shall be issued an occupational license designated as a key employee occupational license. In determining whether an employee is a key employee, the commission is not restricted by the title of the job performed by the employee but may consider the functions and responsibilities of the employee in making decisions.

(e) A person employed in the field of gaming as a gaming employee shall obtain an occupational license designated as a support occupational license. A person required to hold a support occupational license may not be a gaming employee of or assist the casino owner's or operator's license holder until the employee obtains a support occupational license. A person licensed as a key employee is not required to obtain a support occupational license.

Sec. 2022.103. APPLICATION. (a) An application for a casino operator's license or an occupational license shall be made in compliance with commission rules and must contain information the commission finds necessary to determine the suitability and eligibility of the applicant to function as a casino operator or to be employed or retained as a gaming employee.

(b) An application for a casino operator's license or an occupational license must be accompanied by the required application fee.

(c) The commission may issue a temporary casino operator's license and a temporary occupational license.

Sec. 2022.104. RESIDENCY. A person is eligible to apply for and hold a casino operator's license or occupational license without regard to the residency of the applicant.

Sec. 2022.105. DETERMINATION OF SUITABILITY. (a) The commission shall determine the suitability of an applicant for or holder of a casino operator's license or occupational license based on suitability criteria the commission adopts in order to ensure that a license holder:

(1) is of good character, honesty, and integrity;

(2) has sufficient business probity, competence, and training or experience in the gaming industry to perform the function contemplated; and

(3) is otherwise qualified to be licensed.

(b) The burden of proving suitability to receive and hold a casino operator's license or occupational license is on the applicant or license holder.

(c) In considering the suitability of a company applying for or holding a casino operator's license or occupational license to receive and continue to hold the license, the commission shall consider the suitability of each principal manager and each holder of an equity interest and creditor interest of the company to individually receive and hold an occupational license based on the suitability standards that apply to the applicants for the license generally.

(d) A person may not be found suitable to receive or hold a casino operator's license or occupational license if that person would be found unsuitable to hold a casino owner's license under Section 2022.055(e), except that an applicant for a casino operator's license or occupational license who has been convicted of a felony may be found suitable if the person is found to be adequately rehabilitated under the rehabilitation requirements adopted by the commission, and the applicant or license holder is otherwise suitable for licensing.

Sec. 2022.106. DENIAL OR REVOCATION OF LICENSE. (a) The commission may deny an application for or revoke a casino operator's license or occupational license for any reasonable cause.

(b) If the commission determines that it has reasonable grounds to believe that a license holder may be unsuitable to continue to hold the license, giving due consideration to the protection of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of this state and to the reputation of the state's gaming industry, the commission shall conduct an investigation and hearing provided in Section 2022.401 and may, based on its determination, suspend, limit, or revoke any license.

(c) On the suspension or revocation of a license, the license holder shall cease the provision of all services in any capacity requiring a license under Section 2022.101 or 2022.102.

(d) A holder of an occupational license that has been revoked or suspended may not:

(1) receive, directly or indirectly, any compensation, consideration, or payment of any kind relating to the conduct of gaming in any capacity requiring a license under Section 2022.101 or 2022.102, other than the payment for services rendered before the suspension or revocation; or

(2) serve or function in a capacity that would require a license under Section 2022.101 or 2022.102.

(e) The receipt and holding of a license is a privilege and is not a right or property under the United States Constitution or the Texas Constitution. An applicant for or holder of a casino operator's license or occupational license does not have a vested interest or right in a license granted under this chapter.

[Sections 2022.107-2022.150 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER D. MANUFACTURER'S AND OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS' LICENSES

Sec. 2022.151. MANUFACTURER'S LICENSE. (a) A person may not engage in any segment of the slot machine manufacturing industry in this state for which a manufacturer's license is required under this section without obtaining a manufacturer's license covering that segment of the industry.

(b) The commission shall adopt rules identifying segments of the manufacturing industry directly involved in the design, manufacture, assembly, production, programming, sale, lease, marketing, distribution, repair, or modification of slot machines or component parts of slot machines that the commission finds appropriate for licensing under this section.

(c) A manufacturer's license is personal to the license holder and allows the license holder to conduct business with any casino or slot establishment.

Sec. 2022.152. CASINO SERVICE LICENSE. (a) A person may not engage in any segment of the casino service industry that requires a license without obtaining a casino service license.

(b) The commission shall adopt rules identifying segments of the casino service industry directly involved with providing gaming-related services, equipment, and supplies that the commission finds appropriate for licensing.

(c) A person is required to obtain a casino service license if the person:

(1) operates, conducts, or maintains a gaming-related business in a casino or slot establishment; or

(2) furnishes goods, property, or services to a casino or slot establishment in exchange for:

(A) a payment based on a percentage of the earnings, profits, or receipts from the casino or slot establishment; or

(B) a payment the commission finds to be grossly disproportionate to the value of the goods, property, or service provided.

(d) A utility company, a municipality, or another political subdivision is not required to obtain a casino service license under this section.

(e) A casino service license is personal to the license holder and allows the license holder to conduct business with any casino or slot establishment.

Sec. 2022.153. APPLICATION. (a) Application for a manufacturer's license or casino service license shall be made in compliance with commission rules and shall contain information the commission finds necessary to determine the suitability and eligibility of the applicant.

(b) An application for a manufacturer's license or casino service license must be accompanied by the required application fee.

Sec. 2022.154. DETERMINATION OF SUITABILITY. (a) In considering the suitability of a company applying for or holding a manufacturer's license or casino service license to receive and continue to hold the license, the commission shall consider the suitability of each principal manager and each holder of an equity interest and creditor interest in the company applicant to individually receive and hold a manufacturer's license or casino service license based on the suitability standards that apply to the company applicant. A person may not be found suitable to receive or hold a manufacturer's license or casino service license if that person would be found unsuitable to hold a casino owner's license under Section 2022.055(e).

(b) If the commission determines that it has reasonable grounds to believe that a license holder is unsuitable to hold a manufacturer's license or casino service license, the commission shall conduct an investigation and hearing under Section 2022.401 and may, based on its determination, suspend, limit, or revoke a license.

(c) On suspension or revocation of a license, the license holder must cease the performance of manufacturing activity or casino service requiring a license under this chapter. After the revocation or suspension of the license, the affected license holder may not receive, directly or indirectly, compensation, consideration, or payment of any kind relating to manufacturing activity or provision of casino services in any capacity requiring a license under this chapter, other than the payment for goods or services provided before the suspension or revocation.

(d) An owner or casino operator who has entered into a lease with a manufacturer license holder or casino services license holder whose license has been revoked or suspended may continue to make payments on the lease based upon its original terms and conditions without modification or may accelerate the lease and pay it off, at the sole option of the owner or operator.

(e) The burden of proving suitability to receive and hold a manufacturer's license or casino service license is on the license holder.

[Sections 2022.155-2022.200 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER E. SLOT ESTABLISHMENT LICENSES

Sec. 2022.201. SLOT ESTABLISHMENT OWNER'S OR OPERATOR'S LICENSE REQUIRED. Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, Chapter 2023, or a gaming agreement, a person may not own or operate a slot machine if the person does not satisfy the requirements of this chapter and is not licensed by the commission to act as a slot establishment owner or operator. This section does not prohibit the operation of slot machines by the owner or operator of a casino licensed under this chapter.

Sec. 2022.202. APPLICATION AND QUALIFICATION. (a) An applicant for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license must apply to the commission under rules adopted by the commission, provide the information necessary to determine the applicant's eligibility for a license, and provide other information considered necessary by the commission.

(b) Except as provided by other law, an applicant for a slot establishment owner's license must hold a pari-mutuel license granted under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes) and operate a racetrack.

(c) An applicant for a slot establishment operator's license must have a valid and executed contract with a racetrack that satisfies the requirements of Subsection (b) to act as a slot establishment operator for the racetrack subject to licensing under this chapter.

(d) Each officer, partner, director, key employee, equity interest holder, and gaming employee of slot establishment operations must be eligible and maintain eligibility in accordance with this chapter to be involved in gaming in this state under this subchapter.

(e) An applicant for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license has the burden of proving qualification for a license by clear and convincing evidence. In addition to satisfying minimum requirements established by commission rules, an applicant for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license must:

(1) be a person of good character, honesty, and integrity;

(2) be a person whose background and prior activities, including criminal record, reputation, habits, and associations, do not pose a threat to the security and integrity of gaming or to the public interest of this state or to the effective operation and control of gaming, or do not create or enhance the dangers of unsuitable, unfair, or illegal practices, methods, and activities in the conduct of gaming or in the carrying on of the business and financial arrangements incidental to gaming;

(3) if applying for a new license, provide fingerprints for a criminal records evaluation by the Department of Public Safety or other law enforcement agency, including fingerprints for each person required to be named in an application, accompanied by a signed authorization for the release of information to the commission by the department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation;

(4) not have been convicted of an offense under this chapter or of any crime related to theft, bribery, gambling, or involving moral turpitude;

(5) demonstrate adequate financing for the operation of the facility at which the slot machines will be operated from a source that meets the requirements of this chapter and is adequate to support the successful performance of the duties and responsibilities of the license holder and disclose all financing or refinancing arrangements for the purchase, lease, or other acquisition of gaming equipment in the degree of detail requested by the commission;

(6) when applying for a new license or renewing a license under this chapter, present evidence to the commission of the existence and terms of any agreement regarding the proceeds from the operation of slot machines;

(7) demonstrate that each equity interest holder in the applicant meets all applicable qualifications under this chapter;

(8) provide all information, including financial data and documents, consents, waivers, and any other materials, requested by the commission for purposes of determining qualifications for a license; and

(9) as part of its application, expressly waive any and all claims against the commission, this state, and a member, officer, employee, or authorized agent of the commission or this state for damages resulting from any background investigation, disclosure, or publication relating to an application for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license.

(f) An application or disclosure form and any other document submitted to the commission by or on behalf of the applicant for purposes of determining qualification for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license must be sworn to or affirmed before an officer qualified to administer oaths.

(g) An applicant who knowingly fails to reveal any fact material to qualification for a license, finding of suitability, or other approval or who knowingly submits false or misleading material information is ineligible for a slot establishment owner's or operator's license.

(h) An applicant for a license or renewal of a license as a slot establishment owner or operator shall notify the commission of any change in the application information for a license or renewal of a license not later than the 10th day after the date of the change, except that a publicly traded corporation or other business association or entity applicant is not required to notify the commission of a transfer by which any person directly or indirectly becomes the beneficial owner of less than 10 percent of the stock of the corporation or association.

Sec. 2022.203. SLOT ESTABLISHMENT OWNER OR OPERATOR: EMPLOYEE INFORMATION. (a) A slot establishment owner or operator shall provide to the commission the name and address of the providers of surety and insurance required under this chapter.

(b) Not later than the 10th day following the date of the change, a license holder must report to the commission any change in an officer, partner, director, key employee, equity interest holder, gaming employee, or owner and any change in a surety or insurance provider.

Sec. 2022.204. SLOT ESTABLISHMENT: REQUIREMENTS; LOCATION. (a) A slot establishment owner or operator may not operate slot machines at any place that is not licensed as a slot establishment.

(b) The commission by rule shall establish standards for slot establishments to ensure that establishments are accessible, safe, comfortable, durable, and of sufficiently high-quality construction to promote investments in establishments and related facilities that foster lasting economic development and continuity in producing state revenue, and that protect the health and welfare of employees, patrons, and all state residents. The standards must include or incorporate high-quality commercial building standards, including safety, air-conditioning, heating, and electrical standards.

(c) An applicant for a slot establishment license must:

(1) consent to the application of state laws with exclusive venue in Travis County, Texas, related to any action arising out of the operation of slot machines;

(2) provide office space for at least one commission employee as required by commission rule; and

(3) provide free and unrestricted access to the establishment by the commission.

(d) An applicant for a slot establishment license must provide the maps, surveys, site plans, architectural plans, and financial statements required by the commission and update the information at least annually if required by the commission.

(e) The commission may not deny, suspend, or revoke a license under this chapter based on the fact that a slot establishment or a proposed slot establishment is a location for which a person holds a wine and beer retailer's permit, mixed beverage permit, mixed beverage late hours permit, private club registration permit, or private club late hours permit, issued under Chapter 25, 28, 29, 32, or 33, Alcoholic Beverage Code.

(f) The commission may not issue a slot establishment license to a racetrack if:

(1) as of January 1, 2009, any part of the real property on which the licensed premises of the racetrack is located is less than one-half mile from any part of the real property on which a public school is located; or

(2) the racetrack has held an inactive racing license for at least two of the three years preceding the date the application is submitted.

(g) A slot establishment license is valid only on the premises of the location for which the license is issued. The location for a licensed slot establishment may not be moved or transferred under the license issued, and the license may not be amended to provide a different location for the slot establishment even if the racetrack location is moved or transferred to a different location. A slot establishment license is void if the location of the racetrack to which the slot establishment owner's pari-mutuel license applies is moved.

Sec. 2022.205. SUMMARY SUSPENSION OF SLOT ESTABLISHMENT OWNER'S OR OPERATOR'S LICENSE. The commission may summarily suspend the license of a slot establishment owner or operator without notice or hearing if the commission finds the action is necessary to maintain the integrity, security, honesty, or fairness of the operation or administration of gaming or to prevent financial loss to this state and:

(1) the license holder fails to deposit money received from slot machine operations as required by this chapter or commission rule;

(2) an event occurs that would render the license holder ineligible for a license under this chapter;

(3) the license holder refuses to allow the commission, the commission's agents, or the state auditor, or their designees, to examine the license holder's books, records, papers, or other objects; or

(4) the executive director learns the license holder failed to disclose information that would, if disclosed, render the owner or operator ineligible for a license under this chapter.

Sec. 2022.206. CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SLOT ESTABLISHMENT. (a) A slot establishment owner or operator shall provide all necessary capital investments and required improvements at a slot establishment owned or operated by the owner or operator.

(b) The commission may not issue a license for the operation of a slot establishment at a class 2 racetrack that has not made at least $40 million in capital investments or improvements to new or existing facilities at the racetrack.

[Sections 2022.207-2022.250 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER F. LICENSE RENEWAL AND FEES

Sec. 2022.251. TERMS; RENEWAL. (a) An original or renewal license expires on the first anniversary of the date it is issued.

(b) The fee for an owner's license, operator's license, occupational license, manufacturer's license, or casino service license is in the amount established by Section 2022.253 and must be paid annually. A license holder may renew an unexpired license annually by meeting the licensing requirements of the commission and by paying the annual fee.

Sec. 2022.252. APPLICATION FEES. (a) An application fee received under this section shall be:

(1) deposited in the Texas casino and slot gaming fund; and

(2) used for the operation of the commission.

(b) An applicant for a casino owner's license must pay an application fee of $100,000.

(c) An applicant for a slot establishment owner's license must pay an application fee of $50,000.

(d) An applicant for a manufacturer's license must pay an application fee of $200,000.

(e) An applicant for an operator's license must pay an application fee of $50,000.

(f) An applicant for a casino service license must pay an application fee of $100.

(g) A person registering and applying to qualify to hold an equity interest or creditor interest in a license holder must pay an application fee of $100.

(h) An individual applying for an occupational license must pay an application fee of $100.

(i) All application fees must be in the form of a money order or cashier's check and be payable to the Texas Gaming Commission, except that the commission may provide for the payment of the fees by electronic funds transfer or similar method. Application fees are nonrefundable.

(j) Application fees shall be applied toward the cost of investigating applicants' suitability for licensing or qualification under this chapter. Any costs of investigation incurred in excess of the application fee shall be paid by the applicant.

Sec. 2022.253. LICENSE FEES. (a) A holder of a casino owner's license must pay an annual license fee of $100,000.

(b) A holder of a slot establishment owner's license must pay an annual fee of $50,000.

(c) A holder of a manufacturer's license must pay an annual license fee of $100,000.

(d) A holder of an operator's license must pay an annual license fee of $50,000.

(e) A holder of a casino service license must pay an annual license fee of $100.

(f) A holder of an equity interest or creditor interest in any license holder that is required to qualify with the commission must pay an annual fee of $100.

(g) A holder of an occupational license must pay an annual license fee of $100.

[Sections 2022.254-2022.300 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER G. CASINO AND SLOT GAMING FUND; TAXES ON GROSS GAMING

REVENUE AND NET SLOT INCOME

Sec. 2022.301. TEXAS CASINO AND SLOT GAMING FUND. (a) The Texas casino and slot gaming fund is a special fund in the state treasury.

(b) All application fees, investigation fees, and license fees collected by the commission or on the commission's behalf related to casino and slot gaming shall be deposited to the credit of the Texas casino and slot gaming fund.

(c) The Texas casino and slot gaming fund may be used only for the operation of the commission and the administration of this chapter. If the money in the fund exceeds the amount necessary for the operation of the commission and the administration of this chapter, the legislature may transfer any excess amount to a dedicated account to be known as the higher education trust account in the general revenue fund to be used solely to provide additional financial aid to assist in the payment of tuition and fees for resident students of institutions of higher education in this state.

(d) The operation of the commission and the administration of this chapter shall be supported by fees generated under this chapter and by a portion of the taxes imposed by Section 2022.302.

Sec. 2022.302. CASINO AND SLOT GAMING TAX; ALLOCATION OF TAX. (a) There is imposed on each holder of a casino owner's license a gaming tax in an amount equal to 15 percent of the gross gaming revenue of the casino operated under the license. The tax shall be computed and paid on a monthly basis in accordance with the procedures established by commission rule.

(b) There is imposed on each holder of a slot establishment owner's license a slot gaming tax in an amount equal to 35 percent of the net slot income of the slot establishment operated under the license. The tax shall be computed and paid on a monthly basis in accordance with the procedures established by commission rule.

(c) Except as provided by Subsections (d), (e), and (f), the revenue from the taxes imposed by this section is allocated to the higher education trust account in the general revenue fund.

(d) Of the revenue from the tax imposed by Subsection (a):

(1) one-thirtieth of the revenue is allocated to the municipality in which the casino to which the license relates is located, and one-thirtieth of the revenue is allocated to the county in which the casino to which the license relates is located; or

(2) if the casino is located in an unincorporated area, one-fifteenth of the revenue is allocated to the county in which the casino to which the license relates is located.

(e) The comptroller shall transfer the appropriate amount allocated under Subsection (d) to the appropriate municipalities and counties not less than monthly in the manner the comptroller considers appropriate.

(f) Of the revenue from the taxes imposed by this section:

(1) one-tenth of one percent shall be allocated to the general revenue fund and may be appropriated only to fund a compulsive gambling program established under Subchapter L; and

(2) $200,000 may be appropriated in each state fiscal biennium to the Department of Public Safety to be used to provide grants to prosecuting attorneys for the investigation and prosecution of offenses related to the possession of gambling devices.

(g) The taxes imposed by this section are due and payable on or before the 20th day of the month following the month in which the taxes are imposed.

(h) If the amount of gaming taxes required to be reported and paid under this section is later determined to be greater or less than the amount actually reported and paid by the license holder, the commission shall:

(1) assess and collect the additional gaming taxes determined to be due with interest until paid; or

(2) refund any overpayment, with interest, to the license holder.

(i) Interest must be computed, until paid, at the rate of one percent per month from the first day of the first month following either the due date of the additional gaming taxes or the date of overpayment.

Sec. 2022.303. DETERMINATION OF GROSS GAMING REVENUE. (a) In calculating gross gaming revenue, a prize, premium, drawing, benefit, or ticket that is redeemable for money, merchandise, or other promotional allowance, except money or tokens paid at face value directly to a patron as the result of a specific wager and the amount of cash paid to purchase an annuity to fund winnings, may not be deducted from gross gaming revenue as a loss at any game except a slot machine.

(b) In calculating gross gaming revenue from slot machines at a casino, the actual cost to the license holder of any personal property distributed to a patron as the result of a legitimate wager may be deducted as a loss, but travel expenses, food, refreshments, lodging, or services at the license holder's facility may not be deducted. For the purposes of this subsection, "as the result of a legitimate wager" means that the patron must make a wager before receiving the personal property, regardless of whether the receipt of the personal property is dependent on the outcome of the wager.

(c) Cash or the value of noncash prizes awarded to patrons in a contest or tournament are not losses for purposes of determining gross gaming revenue.

Sec. 2022.304. REFUND OF OVERPAYMENT. (a) Taxes imposed under this subchapter that are erroneously collected may be refunded, on approval of the commission, as other claims against the state are paid.

(b) Not later than the 90th day after the date of the mailing of the notice of the commission's action on a claim for refund filed under this chapter, the claimant may bring an action against the commission on the grounds stated in the claim in any court of competent jurisdiction for the recovery of any part of the amount of the claim that has been disallowed.

(c) Failure to bring an action within the time specified by Subsection (b) constitutes a waiver of any demand against the state on account of alleged overpayments.

(d) If the commission fails to mail its notice of action on a claim within six months after the date the claim is filed, the claimant may consider the claim disallowed and bring an action against the commission on the grounds set forth in the claim for the recovery of any part of the amount claimed as an overpayment.

(e) In a case where a refund is granted, interest is allowed at the rates provided in Section 111.064, Tax Code.

(f) A claim for refund of taxes imposed under this subchapter that are paid in excess of the amount required to be reported and paid must be filed not later than two years after the date of overpayment.

Sec. 2022.305. DETERMINATION OF DEFICIENCY. (a) If an owner's license holder fails to make a report of the taxes imposed under this subchapter as required by this chapter, or if the executive director is not satisfied with the owner's license holder's report of the taxes, the executive director may compute and determine the amount required to be paid on the basis of:

(1) the facts contained in the report, if any;

(2) an audit conducted by the executive director;

(3) an estimate of the amount of taxes due;

(4) any information in the commission's possession or that may come in the executive director's possession; or

(5) any combination of the methods described by Subdivisions (1)-(4).

(b) In making a determination, the commission may offset overpayments and interest due against underpayments and interest or penalties due for the period of the audit.

(c) The executive director shall give prompt written notice of a determination of a deficiency under this section to the owner's license holder. Except in the case of fraud or intent to evade the payment of the tax, a notice of a determination of a deficiency must be mailed not later than two years after the last day of the calendar month following the applicable reporting period in which the deficiency occurred or not later than two years after the report is filed by the owner's license holder, whichever is later.

(d) If the reasons for the deficiency are not apparent, the executive director shall include an explanation of those reasons in the notice of a determination of a deficiency.

(e) If overpayments and interest exceed underpayments, penalties, and interest, the excess amount shall be refunded to the owner's license holder.

Sec. 2022.306. PETITION FOR REVIEW. (a) An owner's license holder against whom a determination is made under Section 2022.305 may petition the commission for a redetermination not later than the 30th day after the date of the service of notice of the determination. If a petition for redetermination satisfying the requirements of Subsection (c) is not filed within the 30-day period, the determination becomes final.

(b) If a petition for redetermination satisfying the requirements of Subsection (c) is filed within the 30-day period, the commission shall reconsider the determination and, if the petitioner requests, shall grant a hearing.

(c) A petition for redetermination must:

(1) specify the contested portions of the determination of deficiency;

(2) specify the grounds for redetermination;

(3) state whether a hearing is requested; and

(4) be accompanied by payment in full of the uncontested portion of the determination, including any interest and penalties.

(d) An order or decision of the commission on a petition for redetermination is final 10 days after the date of service on the petitioner.

(e) A petitioner against whom an order or decision of the commission becomes final may, not later than the 60th day after the date the decision is final, petition for judicial review in the manner provided by Chapter 2001, Government Code. The executive director may not petition for judicial review.

Sec. 2022.307. TAX ADMINISTRATION. (a) The commission shall perform all functions incident to the administration, collection, enforcement, and operation of a fee or tax imposed under this subchapter. The commission may adopt rules and prescribe forms for the administration, collection, and enforcement of a fee or tax and for the reporting of a fee or tax.

(b) Except as modified by this chapter, Subtitle B, Title 2, Tax Code, applies to the administration, collection, and enforcement of a tax imposed under this subchapter. For purposes of the application of Subtitle B, Title 2, Tax Code, to a tax imposed under this subchapter, the powers and duties assigned to the comptroller under that subtitle are assigned to the commission.

Sec. 2022.308. TAXES DEPOSITED IN STATE HIGHWAY FUND. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, the comptroller quarterly shall determine the net amount of receipts collected from a casino or slot establishment from the taxes imposed under Chapters 151, 152, 156, 171, and 183, Tax Code, and shall deposit that amount in the state highway fund.

(b) Money deposited in the state highway fund under this section may be used only for transportation in this state.

[Sections 2022.309-2022.350 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER H. REGULATION OF CASINO AND SLOT ESTABLISHMENT

OPERATIONS

Sec. 2022.351. REGULATION OF CASINO AND SLOT ESTABLISHMENT OPERATIONS. (a) The commission shall adopt rules applicable to the operation of casinos and slot establishments as the commission finds necessary for the protection of the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of this state and for the reputation of the state's gaming industry.

(b) Casinos and slot establishments may operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A license holder may elect other hours of operation.

(c) The commission may not authorize a casino or slot establishment to conduct wagering on the outcome of a sports event or sports activity other than greyhound or horse racing.

Sec. 2022.352. USE OF CHIPS OR TOKENS. All gaming must be conducted with chips or tokens approved by the commission or with the legal tender of the United States.

Sec. 2022.353. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. (a) An owner's license holder shall keep the license holder's books and records in a manner that clearly shows the total amount of gross gaming revenue or net slot income, as applicable, and other revenues received.

(b) The books and records kept by an owner's license holder relating to gaming operations are not public records and the publication and dissemination of the materials by the commission is prohibited. The commission may publish and disseminate gaming revenues and incomes of each owner's license holder at a frequency and in the level of detail as it considers appropriate.

(c) An owner's license holder shall file a report of each change of the corporate officers and directors with the commission. The commission shall, not later than the 90th day after the date of the change, approve or disapprove the change. During the 90-day period, the officer or director is entitled to exercise the powers of the office to which the officer or director was elected or appointed.

(d) An owner's license holder shall report to the executive director in writing a change in company employees who have been designated as key employees.

(e) The commission may require that a company furnish the commission with a copy of its federal income tax return not later than the 30th day after the date the return is filed with the federal government.

Sec. 2022.354. EXCLUSION OF PERSONS. (a) The commission by rule shall provide for the establishment of a list of persons who are to be excluded or ejected from a casino or slot establishment. The list may include a person whose presence in the casino or establishment is determined by the commission to pose a threat to the interests of this state, to licensed gaming, or to both interests.

(b) In making a determination under this section, the commission may consider any:

(1) prior conviction of a crime that is a felony in this state or under the laws of the United States or a crime involving moral turpitude or a violation of the gaming laws of a state; or

(2) violation of or conspiracy to violate the provisions of this chapter relating to:

(A) the failure to disclose an interest in a casino or slot establishment for which the person must obtain a license;

(B) willful evasion of a fee or a tax;

(C) notorious or unsavory reputation that would adversely affect public confidence and trust that the gaming industry is free from criminal or corruptive elements; or

(D) a written order of a governmental agency that authorizes the exclusion or ejection of the person from a casino or slot establishment where gaming or pari-mutuel wagering is conducted.

Sec. 2022.355. INTERNAL AUDIT AND CONTROL SYSTEMS. (a) An owner's license holder shall adopt an internal control system that provides for:

(1) the safeguarding of its assets and revenues, especially the recording of cash and evidences of indebtedness; and

(2) the provision of reliable records, accounts, and reports of transactions, operations, and events, including reports to the executive director and the commission.

(b) The internal control system must be designed to reasonably ensure that:

(1) assets are safeguarded;

(2) financial records are accurate and reliable;

(3) transactions are performed only in accordance with management's general or specific authorization;

(4) transactions are recorded adequately to allow proper reporting of gaming revenue and of fees and taxes and to maintain accountability for assets;

(5) access to assets is allowed only in accordance with management's specific authorization;

(6) recorded accountability for assets is compared with actual assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any discrepancies; and

(7) functions, duties, and responsibilities are appropriately segregated and performed in accordance with sound practices by competent, qualified personnel.

(c) An owner's license holder and an applicant for an owner's license shall describe, in a manner approved or required by the executive director, the license holder's or applicant's administrative and accounting procedures in detail in a written system of internal control. An owner's license holder and applicant for an owner's license shall submit a copy of the license holder's or applicant's written system to the executive director. A written system must include:

(1) an organizational chart depicting appropriate segregation of functions and responsibilities;

(2) a description of the duties and responsibilities of each position shown on the organizational chart;

(3) a detailed, narrative description of the administrative and accounting procedures designed to satisfy the requirements of Section 2022.353(a);

(4) a written statement signed by the license holder's chief financial officer and either the license holder's chief executive officer or an owner's license holder attesting that the system satisfies the requirements of this section;

(5) if the written system is submitted by an applicant, a letter from an independent certified public accountant stating that the applicant's written system has been reviewed by the certified public accountant and complies with the requirements of this section; and

(6) other items the executive director may require.

(d) The commission shall adopt minimum standards for internal control procedures.

Sec. 2022.356. AGE REQUIREMENTS. A person under the age of 21 years may not:

(1) play, be allowed to play, place wagers, or collect winnings, personally or through an agent, from any gaming authorized under this chapter; or

(2) be employed as a gaming employee.

Sec. 2022.357. ACCEPTANCE OF NEGOTIABLE INSTRUMENTS. (a) A negotiable instrument evidencing a gaming transaction may be enforced by legal process.

(b) A license holder may accept an incomplete negotiable instrument that is signed by a patron and states the amount of the debt. The license holder may complete the instrument as is necessary for the instrument to be presented for payment.

(c) A license holder:

(1) may not accept a negotiable instrument that is incomplete, except as authorized by Subsection (b); and

(2) may accept a negotiable instrument that is payable to an affiliate or may complete a negotiable instrument in the name of an affiliate as payee if the negotiable instrument otherwise complies with this section and the records of the affiliate pertaining to the negotiable instrument are made available to the executive director on request.

(d) This section does not prohibit the establishment of an account by a deposit of cash, recognized traveler's check, or any other instrument that is equivalent to cash.

(e) Any person, license holder, or the agents or employees of the person or license holder who violate this section are subject only to the penalties provided in this chapter relating to disciplinary actions. The failure of a person to comply with this section or commission rules does not invalidate a negotiable instrument or affect the ability to enforce the negotiable instrument or the transaction that the negotiable instrument represents.

Sec. 2022.358. GAMING DEBTS. (a) Except as otherwise provided by this chapter, gaming debts not evidenced by a negotiable instrument are void and unenforceable and do not give rise to any administrative or civil cause of action.

(b) A claim by a patron of a license holder for payment of a gaming debt not evidenced by a negotiable instrument may be resolved by the executive director under commission rules.

(c) The executive director shall send a copy of the director's ruling by first class mail to the attorneys of record and shall keep an appropriate copy of the mailing. If a party is not represented by an attorney of record, the executive director shall send a copy of the ruling by first class mail to the party and shall keep an appropriate record of the mailing.

(d) A party or attorney of record notified by mail under this section is presumed to have been notified on the date on which the notice is mailed.

(e) A party aggrieved by the executive director's ruling is entitled to have the claim resolved by the commission in a contested case if the party files a written complaint with the commission challenging the executive director's decision not later than the 20th day after the date on which the party or the party's attorney of record is notified by mail.

Sec. 2022.359. QUESTIONING AND DETENTION OF PERSONS. (a) An owner's license holder or the license holder's officer, employee, or agent may question any person on the license holder's premises suspected of violating this chapter. The owner's license holder or the license holder's officer, employee, or agent is not criminally or civilly liable:

(1) as a result of the questioning; or

(2) for reporting the person suspected of the violation to the executive director or law enforcement authorities.

(b) An owner's license holder or the license holder's officer, employee, or agent who has reasonable cause to believe that there has been a violation of this chapter in the license holder's casino or slot establishment by a person may take that person into custody and detain the person in the casino or slot establishment in a reasonable manner and for a reasonable length of time. The taking into custody and detention does not render the license holder or the license holder's officer, employee, or agent criminally or civilly liable unless it is established by clear and convincing evidence that the taking into custody and detention are unreasonable under all the circumstances.

(c) An owner's license holder or the license holder's officer, employee, or agent is not entitled to the immunity from liability provided by Subsection (a) or (b) unless there is displayed in a conspicuous place in the license holder's establishment a notice in bold-faced type, clearly legible, and in substantially this form:

AN OWNER'S LICENSE HOLDER OR AN OWNER'S LICENSE HOLDER'S OFFICER, EMPLOYEE, OR AGENT WHO HAS A REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON HAS VIOLATED A PROVISION OF CHAPTER 2005, OCCUPATIONS CODE, MAY QUESTION OR DETAIN THAT PERSON IN THE ESTABLISHMENT.

Sec. 2022.360. SLOT MACHINE DISABLED. (a) The commission may disable a slot machine operated by a license holder under this chapter at the time:

(1) a proceeding to summarily suspend the license is initiated;

(2) the commission discovers the license holder failed to deposit money received from slot machine operation as required if the license is being summarily suspended under this section; or

(3) an act or omission occurs that, under commission rules, justifies the termination of slot machine operations to:

(A) protect the integrity of gaming or the public health, welfare, or safety; or

(B) prevent financial loss to this state.

(b) The commission shall immediately disable a slot machine if necessary to protect the public health, welfare, or safety.

Sec. 2022.361. SLOT MACHINE: DISTRIBUTION AND COMMISSION APPROVAL. (a) A slot machine provider may not distribute a slot machine or other gaming or associated equipment for placement at a casino or slot establishment in this state unless the machine or equipment has been approved by the commission.

(b) Only a person that holds a manufacturer's license issued under this chapter may apply for approval of a slot machine or other gaming or associated equipment.

Sec. 2022.362. TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR GAMING EQUIPMENT. The commission by rule shall establish minimum technical standards for gaming equipment that may be operated in this state.

Sec. 2022.363. INCIDENT REPORTS. (a) The owner or operator of a casino or slot establishment shall record all unusual occurrences related to gaming activity in the casino or slot establishment operated by the owner or operator.

(b) The owner or operator of a casino or slot establishment shall assign each incident, without regard to materiality, a sequential number and, at a minimum, provide the following information in a permanent record prepared in accordance with commission rules to ensure the integrity of the record:

(1) the number assigned to the incident;

(2) the date and time of the incident;

(3) the nature of the incident;

(4) each person involved in the incident; and

(5) the name of the employee or other agent of the owner or operator who investigated the incident.

Sec. 2022.364. SLOT MACHINE EVENTS. The owner or operator of a casino or slot establishment shall keep a database of slot machine events. The commission by rule shall determine what constitutes a slot machine event for purposes of this section.

Sec. 2022.365. SECURITY. (a) The owner or operator of a casino or slot establishment shall:

(1) continuously monitor all slot machines through the use of a closed-circuit television system that records activity for a continuous 24-hour period, retain all videotapes or other media used to store video images for at least 30 days, and make the tapes or media available to the commission on request;

(2) submit for commission approval a security plan and a floor plan of the area where slot machines are operated showing slot machine locations and security camera mount locations; and

(3) employ at least the minimum number of private security personnel the commission determines is necessary to provide for safe and approved operation of the casino or slot establishment and the safety and well-being of the players.

(b) Private security personnel must be present during all hours of operation at each casino or slot establishment.

(c) An agent or employee of the commission or the Department of Public Safety or other law enforcement personnel may be present at a casino or slot establishment at any time.

(d) The commission may adopt rules to impose additional surveillance and security requirements related to casinos or slot establishments and the operation of slot machines.

Sec. 2022.366. COMMISSION RIGHT TO ENTER. The commission or the commission's representative, after displaying appropriate identification and credentials, has the free and unrestricted right to:

(1) enter the premises of a casino or slot establishment;

(2) enter at all times any other locations involved in operation or support of slot machines; and

(3) inspect and copy the records of the owner or operator of a casino or slot establishment pertaining to the operation of slot machines.

Sec. 2022.367. APPOINTMENT OF SUPERVISOR. (a) The commission by rule may provide for the appointment of a supervisor to manage and operate a casino or slot establishment at the direction of the commission and perform any act that a casino or slot establishment owner or operator is entitled to perform in the event that:

(1) an owner's or operator's license or other license required for operation of the casino or slot establishment is revoked or suspended, lapses, or is surrendered;

(2) a casino or slot establishment has been conveyed or transferred to a secured party receiver or trustee who does not hold the licenses necessary to operate the casino or establishment; or

(3) any other event occurs that causes the casino or establishment to cease the operation of slot machines.

(b) The rules may allow the commission to:

(1) take any action or adopt any procedure necessary to operate a casino or slot establishment pending the licensing of an owner or operator or a successor on the transfer or sale of the casino, establishment, or property; and

(2) if necessary to continue the operation of the casino or slot establishment, sell the casino or establishment to a person that holds or has applied for the licenses required to operate the casino or establishment under this chapter and make appropriate distributions of the proceeds of the sale.

Sec. 2022.368. OFFENSE: CONVEYANCE OF CASINO OR SLOT ESTABLISHMENT PROPERTY. (a) A person commits an offense if during the pendency of any proceeding before the commission that may result in the appointment of a supervisor or during the period of supervision the person:

(1) sells, leases, or otherwise conveys for less than full market value or pledges as security any property of a casino or slot establishment; or

(2) removes from this state or secretes from the commission or the supervisor any property, money, books, or records of the casino or slot establishment, including evidences of debts owed to the casino or establishment.

(b) An offense under Subsection (a) is a felony of the third degree.

[Sections 2022.369-2022.400 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER I. ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 2022.401. ENFORCEMENT. (a) The executive director shall conduct an appropriate investigation to:

(1) determine whether there has been a violation of this chapter or of a commission rule;

(2) determine facts, conditions, practices, or matters that the director considers necessary or proper to aid in the enforcement of a law or rule;

(3) aid in adopting rules;

(4) secure information as a basis for recommending legislation relating to this chapter; and

(5) determine whether a license holder is able to meet the license holder's financial obligations, including all financial obligations imposed by this chapter, as they become due.

(b) If after an investigation the executive director is satisfied that a license should be limited, conditioned, suspended, or revoked, or that a fine should be levied, the executive director shall initiate a hearing under Section 2022.406.

Sec. 2022.402. PRIVILEGED DOCUMENTS. (a) A communication or document of an applicant or license holder that is required by law or commission rule or by a subpoena issued by the commission and that is to be made or transmitted to the commission or the executive director is privileged and does not impose liability for defamation or constitute a ground for recovery in a civil action by a person other than the commission.

(b) If a document or communication contains information that is privileged, the privilege is not waived or lost because the document or communication is disclosed to the commission or the executive director.

(c) Notwithstanding the powers granted to the commission and the executive director by this chapter:

(1) the commission and the executive director may not release or disclose privileged information, documents, or communications provided by an applicant and required by a lawful court order after timely notice of the proceedings has been given to the applicant or license holder without the prior written consent of the applicant or license holder;

(2) the commission and the executive director shall maintain all privileged information, documents, and communications in a secure place accessible only to members of the commission and the executive director; and

(3) the commission shall adopt procedures to protect the privileged nature of information, documents, and communications provided by an applicant or license holder.

Sec. 2022.403. RELEASE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION. An application to a court for an order requiring the commission or the executive director to release any information declared by law to be confidential shall be made only on a motion in writing delivered not later than the 10th day before the date of application to the commission, the attorney general, and all persons who may be affected by the entry of the order. Copies of the motion and all papers filed in support of it shall be served with the notice by delivering a copy in person or by certified mail to the last known address of the person to be served.

Sec. 2022.404. EMERGENCY ORDERS. (a) The commission may issue an emergency order for suspension, limitation, or conditioning of a license or work permit or may issue an emergency order requiring a casino or slot establishment to keep an individual license holder from the premises of the licensed establishment or to not pay the license holder any remuneration for services or any profits, income, or accruals on the license holder's investment in the casino or slot establishment.

(b) An emergency order may be issued only if the commission determines that:

(1) a license holder has willfully failed to report, pay, or truthfully account for a fee imposed under this chapter or willfully attempted in any manner to evade or defeat a fee or payment;

(2) a license holder or gaming employee has cheated at a gambling game; or

(3) the action is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, safety, morals, good order, or general welfare.

(c) The emergency order must state the grounds on which it is issued, including a statement of facts constituting the alleged emergency necessitating the action.

(d) An emergency order may be issued only with the approval of and under the signature of four or more members of the commission.

(e) An emergency order is effective immediately on issuance and service on the license holder or resident agent of the license holder, gaming employee, or, in cases involving registration, on issuance and service on the person or entity involved or resident agent of the entity involved. An emergency order may suspend, limit, condition, or take other action in relation to the license of one or more persons in an operation without affecting other individual license holders or the casino or slot establishment. An emergency order remains effective until further order of the commission or final disposition of the case.

(f) Not later than the fifth day after the date of issuance of an emergency order, the executive director shall file a complaint and serve it on the person or entity involved. The person or entity against whom the emergency order has been issued and served is entitled to a hearing before the commission and to judicial review of the decision and order of the commission under Chapter 2001, Government Code. Judicial review is under the substantial evidence rule.

Sec. 2022.405. REVOCATION OF LICENSE, CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION, FINDING OF SUITABILITY, OR OTHER APPROVAL. (a) The commission shall revoke or suspend a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval issued under this chapter if the holder of the license, certificate, suitability, or approval at any time fails to meet the eligibility requirements set forth in this chapter.

(b) Failure to timely remit gaming revenue generated by slot machines to the commission or any tax or other fee owed to this state as demonstrated by report from the applicable taxing authority or to timely file any report or information required under this chapter as a condition of any license, certificate, finding of suitability, or other approval issued under this chapter may be grounds for suspension or revocation, or both, of a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or other approval issued under this chapter.

Sec. 2022.406. DISCIPLINARY HEARING. (a) Before the commission revokes or suspends a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval or imposes monetary penalties for a violation of this chapter, the commission shall provide written notification to the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder of the revocation, the period of suspension, or the monetary penalty. The notice shall include:

(1) the effective date of the revocation or the period of suspension or the amount of the monetary penalty, as applicable;

(2) each reason for the revocation, suspension, or penalty;

(3) an explanation of the evidence supporting the reasons;

(4) an opportunity to present the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder's position in response on or before the 15th day after the effective date of the revocation; and

(5) a statement explaining the person's right to an administrative hearing to determine whether the revocation, suspension, or penalty is warranted.

(b) The notice required under Subsection (a) must be made by personal delivery or by mail to the person's mailing address as it appears on the commission's records.

(c) To obtain an administrative hearing on a suspension, revocation, or penalty under this section, a person must submit a written request for a hearing to the commission not later than the 20th day after the date notice is delivered personally or is mailed.

(d) If the commission receives a timely request under Subsection (c), the commission shall provide the person with an opportunity for a hearing as soon as practicable. If the commission does not receive a timely request under Subsection (c), the commission may impose the penalty, revoke or suspend a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval, or sustain the revocation or suspension without a hearing.

(e) Except as provided by Subsection (f), the hearing must be held not earlier than the 11th day after the date the written request is submitted to the commission.

(f) The commission may provide that a revocation or suspension takes effect on receipt of notice under Subsection (a) if the commission finds that the action is necessary to prevent or remedy a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. The commission by rule shall establish a nonexclusive list of violations that present a threat to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(g) A hearing on a revocation or suspension that takes effect on receipt of notice must be held not later than the 14th day after the date the commission receives the request for hearing under this section. The revocation or suspension continues in effect until the hearing is completed. If the hearing is continued, the revocation or suspension shall continue in effect beyond the 14-day period at the request of the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder or on a finding of good cause by the commission or administrative law judge.

(h) To prevail in a post-deprivation administrative hearing under this section, the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder must demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the deprivation or imposition of a penalty was unwarranted or otherwise unlawful. The post-deprivation hearing may be conducted by the commission or referred to the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

(i) The administrative record created by the hearing conducted by the State Office of Administrative Hearings shall be provided to the commission for review and determination on the revocation or suspension.

(j) If an administrative law judge of the State Office of Administrative Hearings conducts a hearing under this section and the proposal for decision supports the commission's position, the administrative law judge shall include in the proposal a finding of the costs, fees, expenses, and reasonable and necessary attorney's fees this state incurred in bringing the proceeding.

(k) The commission may adopt the findings for costs, fees, and expenses and make the finding a part of the final order entered in the proceeding. Proceeds collected from a finding made under this section shall be paid to the commission.

Sec. 2022.407. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF REVOCATION, SUSPENSION, OR PENALTY IMPOSITION. (a) A person aggrieved by a final decision of the commission to revoke or suspend a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval or to impose any monetary penalty may obtain judicial review before a district court in Travis County.

(b) The judicial review must be instituted by serving on the commission and filing a petition not later than the 20th day after the effective date of the final decision and must identify the order appealed from and the grounds or reason why the petitioner contends the decision of the commission should be reversed or modified.

(c) The review must be conducted by the court sitting without jury, and must not be a trial de novo but is confined to the record on review. The reviewing court may only affirm the decision, remand the case for further proceedings, or reverse the decision if the substantial rights of the petitioner have been violated.

(d) If any court of competent jurisdiction concludes on judicial review limited to the administrative record before the commission and subject to the substantial evidence standard that the deprivation or penalty was unwarranted or otherwise unlawful, the sole remedy available is invalidation of the penalty or reinstatement of the license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or approval and the continued distribution, manufacture, or operation of slot machines.

(e) The commission, this state, or the members, officers, employees, and authorized agents of either are not under any circumstances subject to monetary damages, attorney's fees, or court costs resulting from the penalty or license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval revocation.

Sec. 2022.408. EFFECT OF DENIAL OF LICENSE, REGISTRATION, FINDING OF SUITABILITY, OR APPROVAL. (a) A person whose application for a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval has been denied may not have any interest in or association with a slot establishment owner or operator or any other business conducted in connection with slot machines under this chapter without prior approval of the commission.

(b) Any contract related to the operation of slot machines in this state between a person holding a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval and a person denied a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval must be terminated immediately. If the person denied a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval has previously been granted a temporary license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval, the temporary license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval expires immediately on denial of the permanent license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval.

(c) Except as otherwise authorized by the commission, a person denied a license, certificate of registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval may not reapply for any license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval before the second anniversary of the date of the denial.

Sec. 2022.409. AGREEMENT TO WAIVE ENFORCEABILITY. A license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval holder by virtue of accepting the license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval agrees that the privilege of holding a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or approval under this chapter is conditioned on the holder's agreement to Sections 2022.405-2022.407 and waives any right to challenge or otherwise appeal the enforceability of those sections.

Sec. 2022.410. LIMITED WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY; NO LIABILITY OF STATE FOR ENFORCEMENT. (a) This state does not waive its sovereign immunity by negotiating gaming agreements with Indian tribes or other persons for the operation of gaming or gambling games under this subtitle. An actor or agent for this state may not waive this state's sovereign immunity absent an express legislative grant of the authority. The only waiver of sovereign immunity relative to gaming operations is that expressly provided for in this section.

(b) With regard to gaming operations on Indian lands, this state consents to the jurisdiction of the District Court of the United States with jurisdiction in the county where the Indian lands are located, or if the federal court lacks jurisdiction, to the jurisdiction of a district court in Travis County, solely for the purpose of resolving disputes arising from a gaming agreement authorized under this chapter or Chapter 2023 for declaratory or injunctive relief or contract damages of $100,000 or more. Any disputes relating to damages or other awards valued at less than $100,000 shall be arbitrated under the rules of the American Arbitration Association, provided, however, that application of the rules may not be construed as a waiver of sovereign immunity.

(c) All financial obligations of the commission are payable solely out of the income, revenues, and receipts of the commission and are subject to statutory restrictions and appropriations.

(d) This state and the commission are not liable if performance by the commission is compromised or terminated by acts or omissions of the legislature or the state or federal judiciary.

(e) This state and the commission are not liable related to enforcement of this chapter.

Sec. 2022.411. ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE OF REQUIRED COMMUNICATIONS AND DOCUMENTS. (a) Any communication, document, or record of an applicant for or holder of a license, certificate, finding of suitability, or regulatory approval that is made or transmitted to the commission or any of its employees to comply with any law, including a rule of the commission, to comply with a subpoena issued by the commission, or to assist the commission or its designee in the performance of their respective duties is absolutely privileged, does not impose liability for defamation, and is not a ground for recovery in any civil action.

(b) If a communication, document, or record provided under Subsection (a) contains any information that is privileged under state law, that privilege is not waived or lost because the communication, document, or record is disclosed to the commission or any commission employees.

(c) The commission shall maintain all privileged information, communications, documents, and records in a secure place as determined in the commission's sole discretion that is accessible only to commission members and authorized commission employees.

[Sections 2022.412-2022.450 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER J. PENALTIES AND OFFENSES

Sec. 2022.451. FAILURE TO PAY FEES. (a) License fees and other fees required by this chapter must be paid to the commission on or before the dates provided by law for each fee.

(b) A person failing to timely pay a fee or tax when due shall pay in addition a penalty of not less than $50 or 25 percent of the amount due, whichever is the greater. The penalty may not exceed $1,000 if the fee or tax is less than 10 days late and may not exceed $5,000 under any circumstances. The penalty shall be collected as are other charges, license fees, and penalties under this chapter.

Sec. 2022.452. FAILURE TO REPORT, PAY, OR ACCOUNT FOR FEE OR TAX. (a) A person commits an offense if the person willfully fails to report, pay, or truthfully account for a fee or tax imposed under this chapter or willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat a fee or tax.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.453. GAMING FRAUD. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly:

(1) alters or misrepresents the outcome of a game or other event on which wagers have been made after the outcome is made sure but before it is revealed to the players;

(2) places, increases, or decreases a bet or determines the course of play after acquiring knowledge, not available to all players, of the outcome of the game or an event that affects the outcome of the game or that is the subject of the bet or aids anyone in acquiring such knowledge for the purpose of placing, increasing, or decreasing a bet or determining the course of play contingent on that event or outcome;

(3) claims, collects, or takes, or attempts to claim, collect, or take, money or anything of value in or from a gambling game, with intent to defraud, without having made a wager contingent on the game, or claims, collects, or takes an amount greater than the amount won;

(4) entices or induces another to go to a place where a gambling game is being conducted or operated in violation of this subtitle, with the intent that the other person play or participate in that gambling game;

(5) places or increases a bet after acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the game or other event that is the subject of the bet, including past posting and pressing bets;

(6) reduces the amount wagered or cancels the bet after acquiring knowledge of the outcome of the game or other event that is the subject of the bet, including pinching bets; or

(7) manipulates, with the intent to cheat, a component of a gaming device in a manner contrary to the designed and normal operational purpose for the component, including varying the pull of the handle of a slot machine, with knowledge that the manipulation affects the outcome of the game or with knowledge of an event that affects the outcome of the game.

(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 2022.454. USE OF PROHIBITED DEVICES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person, at a casino or slot establishment, uses or possesses with the intent to use a device, other than those customarily used in the conduct of gaming to assist in:

(1) projecting the outcome of the game;

(2) keeping track of the cards played;

(3) analyzing the probability of the occurrence of an event relating to the game; or

(4) analyzing the strategy for playing or betting to be used in the game.

(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 2022.455. USE OF COUNTERFEIT OR UNAUTHORIZED TOKEN, CHIP, OR COIN. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly uses counterfeit chips or tokens in a gambling game.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person, in playing any gambling game designed to receive, be played with, or be operated by chips or tokens approved by the executive director or by lawful coin of the United States of America:

(1) knowingly uses a chip, token, or coin other than chips or tokens approved by the commission or lawful coin of the United States of America, or uses a coin not of the same denomination as the coin intended to be used in that gambling game; or

(2) uses any device or means to violate the provisions of this chapter.

(c) A person, other than an authorized employee of an owner's license holder acting in furtherance of the person's employment within an establishment, commits an offense if the person knowingly has on the person's body or in the person's possession on or off the premises of a casino a device intended to be used to violate the provisions of this chapter.

(d) A person, other than an authorized employee of a license holder acting in furtherance of the person's employment within a casino or slot establishment, commits an offense if the person knowingly has on the person's body or in the person's possession on or off the premises of a casino or slot establishment a key or device known to have been designed for the purpose of and suitable for opening, entering, or affecting the operation of a gambling game, a drop box, or an electronic or mechanical device connected to the game or box or for removing money or other contents from the game or box.

(e) A person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to manufacture slugs for unauthorized use in gaming devices located at a casino or slot establishment, knowingly has on the person's body or in the person's possession paraphernalia for manufacturing slugs. In this subsection, "paraphernalia for manufacturing slugs" means the equipment, products, and materials that are intended for use or designed for use in manufacturing, producing, fabricating, preparing, testing, analyzing, packaging, storing, or concealing a counterfeit facsimile of the chips or tokens approved by the executive director or a lawful coin of the United States, the use of which is an offense under Subsection (b). The term includes:

(1) lead or lead alloys;

(2) molds, forms, or similar equipment capable of producing a likeness of a gaming token or United States coin;

(3) melting pots or other receptacles;

(4) torches; and

(5) tongs, trimming tools, or other similar equipment.

(f) Possession of more than one of the devices, equipment, products, or materials described in this section permits a rebuttable inference that the possessor intended to use them for cheating.

(g) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 2022.456. CHEATING. (a) In this section, "cheat" means to alter the elements of chance, method of selection, or criteria that determine the result of a game or the amount or frequency of payment in a game.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly cheats at any gambling game.

(c) An offense under this section is a state jail felony.

Sec. 2022.457. POSSESSION OF UNLAWFUL DEVICES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly possesses any slot machine or other gaming device that has been manufactured, sold, or distributed in violation of this chapter.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.458. UNLAWFUL MANUFACTURE, SALE, OR DISTRIBUTION OF GAMING EQUIPMENT. (a) In this section, "cheat" has the meaning assigned by Section 2022.456.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person manufactures, sells, or distributes cards, chips, dice, a game, or a device intended to be used to violate this chapter.

(c) A person commits an offense if the person marks, alters, or otherwise modifies any associated equipment or gaming device in a manner that:

(1) affects the result of a wager by determining win or loss; or

(2) alters the normal criteria of random selection that affect the operation of a game or determine the outcome of a game.

(d) A person commits an offense if the person instructs another person in cheating or in the use of a device for cheating at any game authorized to be conducted at a casino or slot establishment, with the knowledge or intent that the information or use may be employed to violate this chapter.

(e) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

Sec. 2022.459. REPORTING PENALTIES. (a) A person commits an offense if the person, in a license application, in a book or record required to be maintained by this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter, or in a report required to be submitted by this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter:

(1) makes a statement or entry that the person knows to be false or misleading; or

(2) knowingly fails to maintain or make an entry the person knows is required to be maintained or made.

(b) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly refuses to produce for inspection by the executive director a book, record, or document required to be maintained or made by this chapter or a rule adopted under this chapter.

(c) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.460. GENERAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or wilfully violates, attempts to violate, or conspires to violate a provision of this chapter specifying a prohibited act.

(b) Unless another penalty is specified for the violation, an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.461. UNAUTHORIZED OPERATION, USE, OR POSSESSION OF GAMING DEVICE. (a) A person may not operate, use, or possess a gaming device unless the operation, use, or possession is expressly authorized by this chapter or other law.

(b) Except for transport to or from a casino or slot establishment and as provided by this chapter, a person commits an offense if the person operates, uses, or possesses a gaming device that is not authorized under this chapter or other law. An offense under this subsection is a felony of the third degree.

(c) Notwithstanding Subsection (b), a casino owner or operator, slot establishment owner or operator, or a manufacturer may store a gaming device as authorized by the commission for a period not to exceed 120 consecutive days, and the commission may possess gaming devices for study and evaluation.

(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the operation, use, or possession of equipment, machines, technological aids, or other devices allowed in connection with the play of bingo under Chapter 2001.

Sec. 2022.462. PLAY OF GAME ON CREDIT. (a) A person licensed under this chapter or an employee of a person licensed under this chapter commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly allows a person to play or conduct a game on a gaming device by extending credit or lending money to the person to enable the person to play the game.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.463. SALE OF GAMBLING GAME TO OR PURCHASE OF GAMBLING GAME BY PERSON YOUNGER THAN 21 YEARS OF AGE. (a) A person licensed under this chapter or an employee of the person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly allows a person younger than 21 years of age to play a gambling game.

(b) An individual who is younger than 21 years of age commits an offense if the individual:

(1) plays a gambling game; or

(2) falsely represents the individual to be 21 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 play a gambling game.

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (b) that the individual younger than 21 years of age is participating in an inspection or investigation on behalf of the commission or other appropriate governmental entity regarding compliance with this section.

(d) An offense under Subsection (a) is a Class C misdemeanor.

(e) An offense under Subsection (b) is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.

Sec. 2022.464. PURCHASE OF GAMBLING GAME WITH PROCEEDS OF AFDC CHECK OR FOOD STAMPS. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly plays a gambling game with:

(1) the proceeds of a check issued as a payment under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program administered under Chapter 31, Human Resources Code; or

(2) a food stamp coupon issued under the food stamp program administered under Chapter 33, Human Resources Code.

(b) An offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Sec. 2022.465. TAMPERING WITH GAMING OR ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. (a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally or knowingly tampers with, damages, defaces, or renders inoperable any vending machine, electronic computer terminal, gaming device or other gaming or associated equipment, or other mechanical device used in a gambling game.

(b) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree.

[Sections 2022.466-2022.500 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER K. LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS

Sec. 2022.501. ORDERING LOCAL OPTION ELECTION. The commissioners court of a county may at any time order an election to legalize casino gaming under this chapter in that county. The commissioners court shall order and hold an election to legalize gaming under this chapter in the county if the commissioners court is presented with a petition that meets the requirements of Section 2022.502 and is certified as valid under Section 2022.503.

Sec. 2022.502. PETITION REQUIREMENTS. (a) A petition for a legalization election must include a statement substantially as follows before the space reserved for signatures on each page: "This petition is to require that an election be held in (name of county) to legalize casino gaming in (name of county)."

(b) A petition is valid only if it is signed by registered voters of the county in a number that is not less than three percent of the total number of votes cast for governor by qualified voters of the county in the most recent gubernatorial general election.

(c) Each voter must enter beside the voter's signature the date the voter signs the petition. A signature may not be counted as valid if the date of signing is earlier than the 90th day before the date the petition is submitted to the commissioners court.

(d) Each voter must provide on the petition the voter's current voter registration number, printed name, and residence address, including zip code.

Sec. 2022.503. VERIFICATION. (a) Not later than the fifth day after the date a petition for an election under this chapter is received in the office of the commissioners court, the commissioners court shall submit the petition for verification to the county clerk.

(b) The county clerk shall determine whether the petition is signed by the required number of registered voters of the county. Not later than the 30th day after the date the petition is submitted to the clerk for verification, the clerk shall certify in writing to the commissioners court whether the petition is valid or invalid. If the clerk determines that the petition is invalid, the clerk shall state the reasons for that determination.

Sec. 2022.504. ORDERING ELECTION. If the county clerk certifies that a petition is valid, not later than the 30th day after the date of certification, the commissioners court shall order that an election be held in the county on the next uniform election date under Section 41.001, Election Code, that allows sufficient time to comply with applicable provisions of law, including Section 3.005, Election Code. The commissioners court shall state in the order the issue to be voted on. The county clerk shall notify the commission by certified mail, return receipt requested, that an election has been ordered.

Sec. 2022.505. BALLOT PROPOSITION. The ballot in a legalization election shall be printed to provide for voting for or against the proposition: "Legalizing casino gaming within (name of county)."

Sec. 2022.506. ELECTION RESULTS. (a) If the majority of the votes cast in a legalization election favor the legalization of casino gaming, casino gaming authorized under this chapter is permitted within the county holding the election effective on the 10th day after the date of the election.

(b) The commissioners court of a county in which a legalization election has been held shall give written notice of the results of the election to the commission not later than the third day after the date the election is canvassed.

(c) If less than a majority of the votes cast in a legalization election in any county are cast in favor of the legalization of casino gaming, casino gaming is not permitted in the county, and a subsequent election on the issue may not be held in the county before the corresponding uniform election date one year after the date of the election.

(d) If less than a majority of the votes cast in two consecutive legalization elections within any county are cast in favor of the legalization of casino gaming, casino gaming is not permitted in the county, and a subsequent election on the issue may not be held in the county before the corresponding uniform election date five years after the date of the second election.

[Sections 2022.507-2022.550 reserved for expansion]

SUBCHAPTER L. PROBLEM GAMBLING AND ADDICTION

Sec. 2022.551. PROBLEM GAMBLING AND ADDICTION GRANT FUND. (a) The problem gambling and addiction grant fund is an account in the general revenue fund.

(b) Money credited to the fund may be used only for awarding grants under this subchapter. The fund shall be administered in accordance with this subchapter.

(c) An expenditure from the problem gambling and addiction grant fund shall be made in accordance with the General Appropriations Act on warrants of the comptroller.

(d) Grants from money in the fund may be used only to:

(1) provide treatment for problem gaming and gambling addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, and other addictive behaviors; and

(2) provide funding for research related to the impact of gambling on state residents.

Sec. 2022.552. GRANT PROGRAM. (a) The commission shall administer a grant program to provide assistance for the direct treatment of persons diagnosed as suffering from pathological gambling and other addictive behaviors and to provide funding for research regarding the impact of gambling on residents of this state.

(b) Research grants awarded under this section may include grants for determining the effectiveness of education and prevention efforts on the prevalence of pathological gambling in this state.

(c) A grant may be made only after open solicitation of proposals and evaluation of proposals against criteria established by commission rule.

(d) Public and private entities are eligible to apply for and receive grants under this section.

(e) A grant made in accordance with this section shall be made from the problem gambling and addiction grant fund.

Sec. 2022.553. GIFTS AND DONATIONS. The commission may solicit and accept grants, gifts, contributions, or bequests made for the purpose of funding grants under this subchapter and expend the money for the purpose for which it was received.

Sec. 2022.554. RULES. (a) The commission shall administer this subchapter and adopt rules establishing criteria for qualification to receive grants and other matters considered necessary by the commission for the administration of this subchapter.

(b) The rules adopted by the commission must require that each recipient of a grant report at least annually to the commission the grantee's measurable achievement of specific outcome goals.

CHAPTER 2023. TRIBAL GAMING AGREEMENTS

Sec. 2023.001. DUTY OF GOVERNOR. The governor shall execute, on behalf of this state, with a federally recognized Indian tribe with Indian lands in this state a gaming agreement containing the terms set forth in Section 2023.002, as a ministerial act, without preconditions, not later than the 30th day after the date the governor receives a request from the tribe, accompanied by or in the form of a duly enacted resolution of the tribe's governing body, to enter into the gaming agreement.

Sec. 2023.002. MODEL TRIBAL GAMING AGREEMENT. (a) A gaming agreement executed under Section 2023.001 must be in the form and contain the provisions as follows:

GAMING AGREEMENT GOVERNING GAMING OPERATIONS Between the [Name of

Tribe] and the STATE OF TEXAS

This agreement is made and entered into by and between the [Name of Tribe], a federally recognized Indian Tribe ("Tribe"), and the State of Texas ("State"), with respect to gaming on the Tribe's Indian lands (as defined by Chapter 2022, Texas Occupations Code).

This agreement governs gambling on Indian lands held in trust by the United States on January 1, 1998, for the Tribe.

Pursuant to express provisions of the Restoration Acts (Pub. L. No. 100-89) addressing jurisdiction, the Tribe may engage in any gaming activities that another person may be authorized to engage in under Subtitle A-1, Title 13, Occupations Code.

The Tribe shall regulate the gaming activities authorized under this agreement on the Tribe's Indian lands.

The Tribe shall adopt rules and procedures substantially similar to the requirements of Subtitle A-1, Title 13, Occupations Code, except that any regulatory oversight established under Subtitle A-1 for gaming conducted under a license shall be exercised by the Tribe for gaming conducted under this agreement. The Tribe may adopt the rules and procedures by reference to any provisions of Subtitle A-1, Title 13, Occupations Code.

(b) A gaming agreement under Subsection (a) between this state and a federally recognized Indian Tribe that is not subject to the Restoration Acts (Pub. L. No. 100-89) may not include the provision related to the Restoration Acts.

Sec. 2023.003. NEGOTIATION FOR DIFFERENT TRIBAL GAMING AGREEMENT TERMS. (a) Nothing in this subchapter may be construed to limit the ability of a federally recognized Indian tribe to request that a gaming agreement be negotiated with this state on terms that are different from those set forth in the gaming agreement under Section 2023.002, or the ability of this state to engage in negotiations and to reach agreement under any applicable federal law.

(b) In offering to enter into a gaming agreement with Indian tribes in this state under Section 2023.002, and, except for assessments by this state as provided in that section of the amounts necessary to defray state costs of regulating activities as provided under the gaming agreement, nothing in this chapter may be construed to mean that:

(1) this state is imposing any tax, fee, charge, or other assessment on an Indian tribe or on any other person or entity authorized by an Indian tribe as a condition to engaging in a Class III activity; or

(2) this state is refusing to enter into gaming agreement negotiations based on the lack of authority of this state or a political subdivision of this state to impose the tax, fee, charge, or other assessment.

(c) If any federally recognized tribe with jurisdiction over Indian lands in this state requests that the governor enter into negotiations for a gaming agreement under federal law applicable to the tribe, including the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (18 U.S.C. Section 1166 and 25 U.S.C. Section 2701 et seq.), on terms different than those prescribed in the gaming agreement set forth in Section 2023.002, the governor shall enter into those negotiations under the federal law applicable to the tribe and without preconditions and is authorized to reach agreement and execute the agreement on behalf of this state.

Sec. 2023.004. IMPLEMENTATION OF GAMING AGREEMENT. The governor shall execute any documents necessary to implement a gaming agreement authorized under this subchapter.

Sec. 2023.005. INCORPORATION INTO STATE LAW. The model gaming agreement set out in Section 2023.002 is hereby incorporated into state law, and the operation of gaming authorized under the agreement is expressly authorized as a matter of state law for any Indian tribe entering into the gaming agreement in accordance with this subchapter.

Sec. 2023.006. REGULATORY MONEY RECEIVED UNDER GAMING AGREEMENT. All money received by the commission under a gaming agreement for regulatory costs incurred relative to tribal gaming operations may be used only to defray expenses of the commission incurred in the oversight, compliance with, and enforcement of gaming operations conducted pursuant to a gaming agreement.

Sec. 2023.007. INJUNCTION; CIVIL PENALTY. (a) If the commission, the appropriate governing body for an Indian tribe, or the attorney general has reason to believe that this chapter has been or is about to be violated, the attorney general may petition a court for appropriate injunctive relief to restrain the violation. Filing of the petition does not waive applicable sovereign immunity.

(b) Venue for an action by this state seeking injunctive relief is in a district court in Travis County.

(c) If the court finds that this chapter has been knowingly violated, the court shall order all proceeds from any illegal gambling to be forfeited to the appropriate governing body as a civil penalty.

(d) The remedies provided by this section are not exclusive. The commission may suspend or revoke a license, registration, finding of suitability, or other affirmative regulatory approval, impose an administrative penalty, or seek injunctive or civil penalties or both, depending on the severity of the violation.

SECTION 2. Article 4, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended by adding Sections 4.07, 4.08, and 4.09 to read as follows:

Sec. 4.07. NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN EQUINE PURSES. (a) In this section:

(1) "Equine industry development fund" means a fund dedicated to any nonpurse expenditures that support or promote the industry of breeding, training, racing, riding, and competing with horses in this state.

(2) "Equine racing purse trust fund" means the trust fund established by Subsection (b) of this section.

(3) "Optimal Texas purse amount" means the annual amount of purse money determined by the comptroller under Subsection (d) of this section.

(4) "Target balance" means the amount of money needed in total purse funds for a particular calendar month that will be sufficient to aggregate, when combined with all other monthly target balances for the calendar year, to the optimal Texas purse amount for that calendar year.

(5) "Total purse funds" means the sum of the unallocated cash balance of pari-mutuel purse funds and the unallocated cash balance of the equine racing purse trust fund.

(b) The equine racing purse trust fund is established outside the state treasury and is held in trust by the comptroller for administration of this Act. Money in the trust fund may be disbursed by the comptroller without appropriation as directed by the commission to carry out this Act.

(c) Each pari-mutuel license holder authorized to operate slot machines under Chapter 2022, Occupations Code, shall remit 15 percent of the gross gaming revenues from the license holder's slot machines to the equine racing purse trust fund. Payments made pursuant to this subsection shall occur as directed by the commission but not less than twice per month. If a person makes a payment under this subsection more than two days after the deadline set by the commission, the person shall pay a penalty at the rate of 25 percent of the amount due per day for each day after the deadline until the payment is received.

(d) The commission shall determine the optimal Texas purse amount in accordance with this section. The commission shall determine the annual total purse amount for all thoroughbred races in each of the three states that allow pari-mutuel racing, other than Texas, with the highest annual total purse amounts. In evaluating the purse amounts of other states, the commission shall include all breed development programs and all other supplemental purse payments. In determining the amounts of thoroughbred purses in other states, the commission shall use special care not to omit, undervalue, or unnecessarily discount any portion of the purse funds in those states. To calculate the optimal Texas purse amount, the commission shall take the average of the annual total purse amounts for the three states and multiply that amount by 1.05. The commission shall update the optimal Texas purse amount at least quarterly. The commission shall publish the list of the three states used to determine the optimal Texas purse amount, the total purse amounts for each of those states, and the optimal Texas purse amount.

(e) Based on the current projected optimal Texas purse amount, the commission shall establish a target balance of total purse funds for each calendar month. The target balance shall vary from month to month in order to fully support the seasonal nature of horse racing.

Sec. 4.08. DEDUCTIONS FROM SLOT MACHINE INCOME AT GREYHOUND RACETRACKS. (a) The greyhound racing purse trust fund is established outside the state treasury and is held in trust by the comptroller for the administration of this Act. Money in the trust fund may be disbursed by the comptroller without appropriation as directed by the commission to carry out this Act.

(b) A pari-mutuel license holder that owns or operates a greyhound racetrack at which slot machine games are conducted under Chapter 2022, Occupations Code, shall allocate 15 percent of the net slot income generated from the operation of slot machines at the slot establishment at the racetrack to purses.

(c) A state breed registry that receives a disbursement under this section may allocate up to 50 percent of the amount received for Texas breeder awards.

Sec. 4.09. ADMINISTRATION OF SLOT MACHINE ALLOCATIONS FOR PURSES. The comptroller and commission shall jointly adopt rules to administer Sections 4.07 and 4.08 of this Act. A matter considered by the comptroller or commission under either section is a contested case under Chapter 2001, Government Code, and requires a public hearing.

SECTION 3. Section 47.02(c), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(c) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor reasonably believed that the conduct:

(1) was permitted under Chapter 2001, Occupations Code;

(2) was permitted under Chapter 2002, Occupations Code;

(3) consisted entirely of participation in the state lottery authorized by the State Lottery Act (Chapter 466, Government Code);

(4) was permitted under the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes); [or]

(5) consisted entirely of participation in a drawing for the opportunity to participate in a hunting, fishing, or other recreational event conducted by the Parks and Wildlife Department; or

(6) consisted entirely of participation in authorized games in a casino or slot establishment licensed or authorized under Chapter 2022 or 2023, Occupations Code.

SECTION 4. Section 47.06(f), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(f) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a) or (c) that the person owned, manufactured, transferred, or possessed the gambling device, equipment, or paraphernalia for the sole purpose of shipping it:

(1) to a casino or slot establishment licensed or authorized under Chapter 2022 or 2023, Occupations Code, for gaming; or

(2) to another jurisdiction where the possession or use of the device, equipment, or paraphernalia was legal.

SECTION 5. Section 47.09(a), Penal Code, is amended to read as follows:

(a) It is a defense to prosecution under this chapter that the conduct:

(1) was authorized under:

(A) Chapter 2001, Occupations Code;

(B) Chapter 2002, Occupations Code; [or]

(C) the Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes);

(D) Chapter 2022, Occupations Code; or

(E) Chapter 2023, Occupations Code;

(2) consisted entirely of participation in the state lottery authorized by Chapter 466, Government Code; or

(3) was a necessary incident to the operation of the state lottery and was directly or indirectly authorized by:

(A) Chapter 466, Government Code;

(B) the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission;

(C) the Texas Lottery Commission; or

(D) the director of the lottery division of the Texas Lottery Commission.

SECTION 6. Subchapter H, Chapter 151, Tax Code, is amended by adding Section 151.356 to read as follows:

Sec. 151.356. GAMING DEVICES. The sale or use of a gaming device permitted under Chapter 2022 or 2023, Occupations Code, is exempt from the tax imposed by this chapter and from the other provisions of this chapter.

SECTION 7. Sections 1.03(3) and (5), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), are amended to read as follows:

(3) "Commission" means the Texas Gaming [Racing] Commission.

(5) "Executive secretary" means the executive director [secretary] of the Texas Gaming [Racing] Commission.

SECTION 8. The heading to Article 2, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:

ARTICLE 2. ADMINISTRATION BY TEXAS GAMING [RACING] COMMISSION

SECTION 9. Section 3.09(b), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes), is amended to read as follows:

(b) The commission shall deposit the money it collects under this Act in the State Treasury to the credit of a special fund to be known as the Texas Racing [Commission] fund. The Texas Racing [Commission] fund may be appropriated only for the administration and enforcement of this Act. Any unappropriated money remaining in that special fund at the close of each fiscal biennium shall be transferred to the General Revenue Fund and may be appropriated for any legal purpose. The legislature may also appropriate money from the General Revenue Fund for the administration and enforcement of this Act. Any amount of general revenue appropriated for the administration and enforcement of this Act in excess of the cumulative amount deposited in the Texas Racing [Commission] fund shall be reimbursed from the Texas Racing [Commission] fund not later than one year after the date on which the general revenue funds are appropriated, with 12 percent interest per year until August 31, 1993, and 6-3/4 percent interest thereafter with all payments first attributable to interest.

SECTION 10. The following laws are repealed:

(1) Sections 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.04, and 2.05, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes);

(2) Sections 2.073, 2.074, 2.08, 2.09, 2.10, and 2.11, Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes); and

(3) Sections 6.093(a) and 18.01(a), Texas Racing Act (Article 179e, Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

SECTION 11. (a) All funds in the Texas casino and slot gaming fund are appropriated to the Texas Gaming Commission for the operation of the commission and the administration of Subtitle A-1, Title 13, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, for the biennium ending August 31, 2011.

(b) Not later than January 1, 2010, the initial members of the Texas Gaming Commission shall be appointed in accordance with Chapter 2021, Occupations Code, as added by this Act. In making the initial appointments, the governor shall designate one member to a term expiring February 1, 2012, two members to terms expiring February 1, 2014, and two members to terms expiring February 1, 2016.

(c) On September 1, 2010, or an earlier date specified in the transition plan required under Section 13 of this Act, all powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities related to administrative support services, such as strategic planning and evaluation, audit, legal, human resources, information resources, accounting, purchasing, financial management, and contract management services, of a state agency or entity abolished by Section 16 of this Act are transferred to the Texas Gaming Commission.

(d) On the date specified by Subsection (c) of this section for the transfer described by that subsection:

(1) all obligations and contracts of a state agency or entity that are related to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred from the agency or entity under Subsection (c) of this section are transferred to the Texas Gaming Commission;

(2) all property and records in the custody of a state agency or entity that are related to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred from the agency or entity under Subsection (c) of this section and all funds appropriated by the legislature for the power, duty, function, program, or activity shall be transferred to the Texas Gaming Commission; and

(3) all complaints, investigations, or contested cases that are pending before a state agency or entity or the governing body of the agency or entity and that are related to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred from the agency or entity under Subsection (c) of this section are transferred without change in status to the Texas Gaming Commission.

(e) A rule or form adopted by a state agency or entity that relates to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred from the agency or entity under Subsection (c) of this section is a rule or form of the Texas Gaming Commission and remains in effect until altered by the commission.

(f) A reference in law to a state agency or entity abolished by Section 16 of this Act, or to the governing body of the agency or entity, that relates to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred under Subsection (c) of this section means the Texas Gaming Commission.

(g) A license, permit, or certification in effect that was issued by a state agency or entity abolished by Section 16 of this Act and that relates to a power, duty, function, program, or activity transferred under Subsection (c) of this section is continued in effect as a license, permit, or certification of the Texas Gaming Commission.

SECTION 12. (a) The Texas Gaming Commission Transition Legislative Oversight Committee is created to facilitate the transfer of powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities between the agency abolished by Section 16 of this Act and the Texas Gaming Commission as provided by this Act with a minimal negative effect on the operation of those regulated activities in this state.

(b) The committee is composed of seven members as follows:

(1) two members of the senate, appointed by the lieutenant governor not later than December 1, 2009;

(2) two members of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives not later than December 1, 2009; and

(3) three members of the public, appointed by the governor not later than December 1, 2009.

(c) Once the other members of the committee have been appointed, the executive director of the Texas Gaming Commission serves as an ex officio member of the committee.

(d) A member of the committee serves at the pleasure of the appointing official.

(e) The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the house of representatives shall alternate designating a presiding officer from among their respective appointments. The speaker of the house of representatives shall make the first appointment after the effective date of this section.

(f) A member of the committee may not receive compensation for serving on the committee but is entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses incurred by the member while conducting the business of the committee as provided by the General Appropriations Act.

(g) The committee shall:

(1) facilitate the transfer of powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities between the agencies abolished by Section 16 of this Act and the Texas Gaming Commission as provided by this Act with a minimal negative effect on the gaming activities regulated in this state;

(2) with assistance from the Texas Gaming Commission and the agency abolished by Section 16 of this Act, advise the executive commissioner of the Texas Gaming Commission concerning:

(A) the powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities transferred under this Act and the funds and obligations that are related to the powers, duties, functions, programs, or activities; and

(B) the transfer of the powers, duties, functions, programs, activities, records, property, funds, obligations, and employees by the entities as required by Section 11 of this Act;

(3) meet at the call of the presiding officer;

(4) research, take public testimony, and issue reports on other appropriate issues or specific issues requested by the lieutenant governor, speaker, or governor; and

(5) review specific recommendations for legislation proposed by the Texas Gaming Commission or the other agencies.

(h) The committee may request reports and other information from the Texas Gaming Commission, other state agencies, and the attorney general relating to gaming in this state and other appropriate issues.

(i) The committee shall use existing staff of the senate, the house of representatives, and the Texas Legislative Council to assist the committee in performing its duties under this section.

(j) Chapter 551, Government Code, applies to the committee.

(k) The committee shall report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives not later than November 15 of each even-numbered year. The report must include:

(1) identification of significant issues within gaming regulation, with recommendations for action;

(2) an analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of gaming regulation, with recommendations for any necessary research; and

(3) recommendations for legislative action.

SECTION 13. (a) The transfer of powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities under Section 11 of this Act to the Texas Gaming Commission must be accomplished in accordance with a schedule included in a transition plan developed by the executive commissioner of the Texas Gaming Commission and submitted to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board not later than September 1, 2010. The executive commissioner shall provide to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board transition plan status reports and updates on at least a quarterly basis following submission of the initial transition plan. The transition plan must be made available to the public.

(b) Not later than March 1, 2010, the Texas Gaming Commission shall hold a public hearing and accept public comment regarding the transition plan required to be developed by the executive commissioner of the Texas Gaming Commission under this section.

(c) In developing the transition plan, the executive commissioner of the Texas Gaming Commission shall hold public hearings in various geographic areas in this state before submitting the plan to the governor and the Legislative Budget Board as required by this section.

SECTION 14. An action brought or proceeding commenced before the date of a transfer prescribed by this Act in accordance with the transition plan required under Section 13 of this Act, including a contested case or a remand of an action or proceeding by a reviewing court, is governed by the laws and rules applicable to the action or proceeding before the transfer.

SECTION 15. (a) The Texas Gaming Commission shall implement the powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities assigned to the commission under this Act in accordance with a work plan designed by the commission to ensure that the transfer of gaming regulation under this Act is accomplished in a careful and deliberative manner.

(b) A work plan designed by the commission under this section must include the following phases:

(1) a planning phase, during which the commission will focus on and stabilize the organization of the agency's powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities, and which must include:

(A) initiation of recommendations made by the Texas Gaming Commission Transition Legislative Oversight Committee;

(B) creation of interagency and intra-agency steering committees;

(C) development of global visions, goals, and organizational strategies; and

(D) development of communications and risk management plans;

(2) an integration phase, during which the commission will identify opportunities and problems and design customized solutions for those problems, and which must include:

(A) identification of key issues related to costs or legal requirements for other commission activities;

(B) planning for daily operations; and

(C) validation of fiscal and program synergies;

(3) an optimization phase, during which the commission will complete and expand on the initial transitions, and which must include:

(A) optimization of initial implementation initiatives;

(B) use of enterprise teaming operations;

(C) building infrastructures to support and facilitate changes in gaming regulation and oversight; and

(D) identification and use of beneficial assets management and facilities approaches; and

(4) a transformation phase, during which the commission will continue implementing initial and additional changes in gaming regulation and oversight, and which must include implementation of changes in agency management activities.

SECTION 16. (a) The Texas Racing Commission is abolished on the date on which the powers, duties, functions, programs, and activities are transferred under Section 11 of this Act, and after that date a reference in any law to the Texas Racing Commission means the Texas Gaming Commission.

(b) The abolition of a state agency or entity under Subsection (a) of this section and the transfer of its powers, duties, functions, programs, activities, obligations, rights, contracts, records, property, funds, and employees as provided by this Act do not affect or impair an act done, any obligation, right, order, permit, certificate, rule, criterion, standard, or requirement existing, or any penalty accrued under former law, and that law remains in effect for any action concerning those matters.

SECTION 17. As soon as practicable after the constitutional amendment to authorize casino gaming and slot machine gaming in this state proposed by the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, is approved by the voters and becomes effective, the Texas Gaming Commission shall adopt the rules necessary to implement that gaming in accordance with Chapter 2022, Occupations Code, as added by this Act.

SECTION 18. (a) Sections 7 through 10 of this Act take effect on the date the Texas Racing Commission is abolished under Section 16 of this Act.

(b) Sections 1 through 6 and 11 through 17 of this Act and this section take effect on the date the amendment adding Section 47-a, Article III, Texas Constitution, authorizing and regulating slot machines and casino games by licensed operators and certain Indian tribes to provide additional money to fund transportation in this state and to provide additional financial aid for higher education students proposed by the 81st Legislature, Regular Session, 2009, becomes effective. If that amendment is not approved by the voters, this Act has no effect.