From: Amusement & Music Operators of Texas [Amusement__Music_Operators_of__ztsybt@cmpgnr.com]
Sent: Monday, April 09, 2007 4:52 PM
To: acsmall@mac.com
Subject: AMOT: April e-Newsletter
80th Legislative Session: E-issue #3
www.amot.org 		 
 
Contents
Legislative Update
Industry News of Interest



AMOT MEMBER NEWSLETTER
Latest industry news to help you stay informed and connected

80th Legislative Session — Special Issue #3


Legislative Update
Status of Key Legislation

With 50 days left in the 80th Regular Session, while AMOT members still face a number of threats, there has been little movement on legislation of significance to the coin-op industry. Most bills of particular concern, including the video lottery terminal and casino gambling bills, have not yet been scheduled for a committee hearing. Bills of interest that have been heard in committee include:
  • HB 9 by Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Lake Dallas), relating to the elimination of smoking in all workplaces and public places, providing penalties. Under the legislation as introduced, smoking would be banned in virtually all public places, with no exemption for bars or taverns. The bill was heard in the House Business and Industry Committee on March 13th and was left pending. AMOT is actively seeking to amend HB 9 to exempt bars and taverns from the smoking ban.
  • HB 10 by Rep. Norma Chavez (D-El Paso), relating to certain gaming activity conducted by an Indian tribe or tribal organization. This bill, which would allow the Tiguas and Alabama-Coushattas to reopen their casinos, has been voted out of committee, but has not yet been scheduled for house floor debate.
  • HB 330 by Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Van), relating to the criminal offenses applicable to gambling and gambling devices. Under the legislation as introduced, 8-liners that are currently operating legally and abiding by restrictions on the amount of and method for awarding prizes would become illegal. The bill was heard in the House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee on February 27th and was left pending. The AMOT legislative committee has been working with the lobby team on compromise language.

Industry News of Interest
Recent articles of note

Smoking in public is targeted
Smoking in Texas may soon become a private affair. A House bill working its way through the Legislature would place a statewide ban on lighting up in all public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, sports arenas and convention centers.
San Antonio Express-News, April 9, 2007

Breeders say video gambling best way to save Texas tracks
"Once again, we are proponents of VLTs at race tracks and not full-blown casino gambling," said Eller. "The biggest benefit from our state would be the revenue and taxes that would be received from wagering amounts to hundreds of millions of dollars per year - if not a billion dollars per year, which is what has been estimated." He said Texans are gambling by the thousands in Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arkansas. At one time, he said, a governor of Louisiana was quoted as saying 95 percent of their business comes from Texas.
Dallas Morning News (AP), April 6, 2007

Smoker hauled to jail for defying ban
One Texas city is really serious about its smoking ban. Just ask Brian Wayne Hendrix, who was arrested and jailed on an outstanding warrant for smoking in a public place — a bar.
Houston Chronicle, April 4, 2007

Some Say Statewide Smoking Ban A Bad Idea
Americans for Prosperity Texas Chapter Director Peggy Venable says they consider the legislation a violation of property rights. She says whether you smoke or not, the legislation is an invasion of individual freedoms. Venable says the legislation is a reckless expansion of government and sets a dangerous precedent.
KBTV 4 (Beaumont), March 22, 2007

News of interest is e-mailed to AMOT members each week If you are not receiving the weekly clips e-mail Allison Small.



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Legislative Dates of Interest

Tuesday, May 22, 2007 (134th day)
Last day for house to consider senate bills and joint resolutions, other than local or consent, on second reading

Monday, May 28, 2007 (140th day)
Last day of 80th Regular Session; corrections only in house and senate

Sunday, June 17, 2007 (20th day following final adjournment)
Last day governor can sign or veto bills passed during the previous legislative session

More dates.



Legislature 101
House Committees
Senate Committees
How a Bill Becomes Law
Glossary of Terms
Find Your Representative
Texas Statutes
Texas Constitution


Websites to Watch
Texas Legislature Online
Governor's Office
Lieutenant Governor's Office
Attorney General's Office
Quorum Report
Capitol Inside



IMPORTANT:
Get Involved

REMEMBER! You can participate as an advocate in the legislative process simply by letting your legislators know the negative impact gambling and anti-smoking proposals will have on your business. If you don't know the state reps or senators that represent the areas in which you live and do business, click here to find out.


AMOT Membership Recruitment
Please let us know if you have vendors or other business contacts that may be good prospects for AMOT membership. We would be happy to prepare a packet of information about the association's benefits for you to give them.

Please e-mail us if you have any questions or would like color copies of our recruitment brochure.


Save the Date

July 19-21, 2007
AMOT Annual Convention
Omni Corpus Christi Hotel - Marina Tower



QUESTIONS?
Please e-mail us if you have any questions about pending legislation or other member issues.





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