Highlights 77th Texas Legislature - Senate

___________________________
REGULATORY
77 th Texas Legislature
affordable rates in high-cost, rural parts of the state, but under current law, funds are only distributed to
certificated areas.
Allows persons residing in permanent residential premises or owners of businesses in uncertificated areas
to petition the Public Utility Commission of Texas for this basic dial-tone service and sets forth procedures
to extend telecommunications services.
Purses, Breeds, and Horse Racing in Texas - H.B. 2484
by Representative Wilson
Senate Sponsor: Senator Armbrister
The Texas Racing Commission (commission) is responsible for ensuring that fair wagering and safe racing,
among several conditions, continue to keep the racing industry growing as an asset to the state’s economy.
Authorizes a horse breed registry to restrict the eligibility of its horses for accredited Texas-bred awards or
purse supplements when the horse runs in mixed racing.
Private Clubs and Restaurants and Alcohol - H.B. 2878
by Representative Goolsby
Senate Sponsor: Senator Carona
Private clubs located in public restaurants are common throughout Texas due to the existence of “dry”
counties, but they must exist as an independent entity to legally operate.
Authorizes a restaurant club to function as an independent corporation and to contract with the
management of a restaurant to conduct its operations.
Using Electronic Information on Drivers Licenses for TABC Purposes - H.B. 3016
by Representative Haggerty
Senate Sponsor: Senator Shapiro
Permits the use of information accessed by using the magnetic strip on a identification card, commercial
driver's license, or driver's license by persons other than law enforcement officials when used to:
• prevent the purchase of alcoholic beverages by minors; and
• comply with Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) record-keeping rules regarding private
club memberships.
Prohibits a person from retaining the information accessed unless authorized to do so by TABC.
Makes violation of this bill a Class A misdemeanor.
Senate Research Center 249