By: Seliger S.B. No. 1342

(In the Senate - Filed March 9, 2011; March 22, 2011, read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs; April 11, 2011, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 9, Nays 0; April 11, 2011, sent to printer.)

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to the use of bingo proceeds by licensed authorized organizations, including the use of proceeds to provide health insurance or health insurance benefits to certain employees.

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

SECTION 1. Section 2001.458, Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2001.458. ITEMS OF EXPENSE. (a) An item of expense may not be incurred or paid in connection with the conduct of bingo except an expense that is reasonable or necessary to conduct bingo, including an expense for:

(1) advertising, including the cost of printing bingo gift certificates;

(2) security;

(3) repairs to premises and equipment;

(4) bingo supplies and equipment;

(5) prizes;

(6) stated rental or mortgage and insurance expenses;

(7) bookkeeping, legal, or accounting services related to bingo;

(8) fees for bingo chairpersons, operators, managers, salespersons, callers, cashiers, ushers, janitorial services, and utility supplies and services;

(9) health insurance or health insurance benefits for bingo chairpersons, operators, managers, salespersons, callers, cashiers, and ushers, as provided by Subsection (b);

(10) license fees;

(11) [(10)] attending a bingo seminar or convention required under Section 2001.107; and

(12) [(11)] debit card transaction fees and electronic funds transfer fees.

(b) The value of health insurance or [a] health insurance benefits [benefit] provided by a licensed authorized organization to an employee may not exceed 50 percent of the total premium owed [is not included under Subsection (a)(8)]. If an employee is employed by more than one licensed authorized organization, the combined value of health insurance or health insurance benefits provided to the employee by the employing organizations may not exceed 50 percent of the total premium owed.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2011.

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