Honorable Mike Hamilton, Chair, House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures
FROM:
John S O'Brien, Director, Legislative Budget Board
IN RE:
HB3583 by Harless (Relating to the authority of local law enforcement authorities to enforce certain laws regulating coin-operated machines; providing criminal penalties.), As Introduced
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
The bill would amend Chapter 2153 of the Occupations Code, regarding coin-operated machines for amusement and entertainment.
The bill would require an owner or operator of a coin-operated amusement machine business to prominently display required certificates of occupancy or compliance at the business premises where coin-operated machines are exhibited or displayed. Failure to comply with this provision would result in a misdemeanor or felony offense, with the penalty depending on the number of prior convictions.
To ensure compliance, the bill would give the comptroller or a peace officer the right to enter the premises of a coin-operated amusement machine business at any time a machine exhibited or displayed is available for use. The bill would add a peace officer to the list of agents that may seal a machine and enforce compliance with the bill's provisions.
The bill would take effect September 1, 2011.
Local Government Impact
No significant fiscal implication to units of local government is anticipated.