LBB Grants 90 Days of Funding to Texas Racing Commission

News Release

For immediate release Contact: Melissa Duncan
November 6, 2015 512-463-0112

LBB GRANTS ADDITIONAL BUDGET AUTHORITY TO RACING COMMISSION

AUSTIN, TX: The Legislative Budget Board (LBB) today authorized an additional 90 days of budget authority to the Texas Racing Commission (TRC), allowing the agency to continue its operations through February 2016. The decision came after new commissioners were appointed to the TRC.

‘This is a good first step toward getting back on track, so we are giving the agency the time it needs to chart a new course,” said State Senator Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound. “Hopefully, with new commissioners we can start seeing this agency adhere to the Constitution, operate within the law and recognize that the Legislature — not the Racing Commission — makes the law in Texas.” The TRC stirred controversy last year by authorizing Las Vegas-style machines known as “instant” or “historical” racing at Texas racetracks over the objections of the Senate Republican Caucus. The decision violated Article 3 Section 47 of the Texas Constitution, which prohibits gambling in Texas except for activities expressly approved by the Legislature and the voters. The 261st District Court in Travis County struck the rule down, stating that the TRC exceeded its authority. The TRC did not join the appeal. However, in August the Board voted 4-3-1 against repealing the rule from the books.

This session the Senate voted 30-1 to zero out all funding for the TRC in its version of HB 1, the appropriations bill. During the process to work out differences between the House and Senate budgets, conferees agreed to appropriate $15.4 million to the agency but to make the Commission’s administrative funds subject to LBB approval.

These funds total $1.5 million over the biennium; 9.7 percent of the agency’s overall budget. LBB has yet to approve the release of any administrative funds, but today’s decision allows the agency to use its other funding to support the administrative functions needed to keep the agency’s doors open.

SENATOR JANE NELSON represents District 12, including portions of Tarrant and Denton Counties. She is Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and the highest-ranking Republican in the Texas Senate.

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Melissa Duncan
Communications Director
State Senator Jane Nelson
Texas Capitol 1E.5
512-463-0112 Office
512-762-5501 Mobile and Text
512-463-0923 Fax