2009 House Bill 5121

Revise charitable “millionaire party” law

Introduced in the House

June 17, 2009

Introduced by Rep. Harold Haugh (D-42)

To authorize expedited permits for the fundraising "millionaire parties" a charitable organization may hold, if the group pays an additional $300 for the permit. This is an event where there are games associated with a gambling casino, such as Black Jack, roulette, etc. Also, to authorize “large millionaire parties,” defined as ones in which the sponsoring organization may pay non-members to conduct the affair on a for-profit basis.

Referred to the Committee on Regulatory Reform

Dec. 16, 2009

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-3) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

March 18, 2010

Substitute offered

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Wayne Schmidt (R-104)

To transfer unspent charitable gambling license and fee revenue at the end of each year to the state school aid fund rather than the state general fund.

The amendment passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Tom McMillin (R-45)

To tie-bar the bill to House Bill 5709, meaning this bill cannot become law unless that one does also. HB 5709 would allow cities, townships and villages to limit the number of “millionaire parties” held within their jurisdiction.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Brian Calley (R-87)

To increase from four to 12 each year the number of "millionaires parties" a charitable organization may hold.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Passed in the House 67 to 40 (details)

To increase charitable gambling and bingo license fees by 15 to 100 percent; allow expedited licenses for an additional fee; expand the allowable hours and types of charitable gambling; expand the allowable advertising for the non-profits that sponsor these events; and allow dealers at "Texas Hold’em" events to be employees of licensed suppliers and oflarge "millionaire party" location licensees, and allow the dealers and pit bosses at the events to accept tips.

Received in the Senate

March 23, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Commerce and Tourism

April 20, 2010

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Regulatory Reform