Remember the bill that was up before committee a few weeks ago that, if passed, would legalize Texas Hold'em in the state of Texas? Well, it just was approved by that committee, in favor, and will be up before the Texas House of Representatives.

Mike Lavigne of the Texas Poker Pac (Political Action Committee) released the following statement earlier today (or yesterday, given that it's after midnight):

From The Desk Of:
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
JOSE MENENDEZ
Capitol Office: Room EXT E2.212, P.O. Box 2910  Austin, TX 78768
Phone: (512) 463-0634 Fax: (512) 463-7668

For Immediate Release:                                Contact: Jennifer Brader
May 1, 2007                                                             (512) 463-0634
 
Poker Bill Headed to Full House for Vote
 
Austin, TX//  HB 3186, The Texas Poker Act, was voted favorably out of committee today.  This paves the way for a vote by the full House of Representatives within the next week.  This will mark the first time the Texas House has considered the regulation of the game of poker.
 
Representative Jose Menendez, the bill's sponsor, believes that the benefits of regulating poker in Texas are far reaching.  "Right now, in any size city at almost any time, anyone can find an illegal poker game to play in, " said Menendez.  "Texas ought to benefit from the game rather than push these millions of dollars into the hands of criminals."
 
The version of the legislation that passed out of committee today includes the following provisions:
 
* Allows certain bars to have poker tables (amount determined by Lottery Commission)
* Allows Racetracks to have poker tables (amount determined by Lottery Commission)
* Allows for charitable poker tournaments
* The state gets a "rake" of every hand played
* Raises additional money for affordable housing

Poker's recent rise in popularity has led to a dramatic expansion of illegal poker rooms across the state.  In each of these rooms, thousands of dollars are changing hands without any regulation or oversight.  Often times law enforcement must close these rooms down after lengthy expensive investigations that rarely result in much more than misdemeanor penalties.
 
"Poker could bring in millions of dollars in tourism and television instead of being a law enforcement liability," said Menendez.
 
HB 3186 is expected to be brought before the full House within the next week.
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Mike Lavigne
512-917-7614

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Folks, I strongly urge each and every one of you to contact your representative and support this bill immediately! I honestly think this bill has a very strong chance of passing.

My father worked in the AG's office for a little while, and has maintained some contacts there since then. According to him, the powers that be in the Texas government have already begun the process of finding funding for this bill, at least in terms of additional workers and such that would see to it that it is followed through with, from here on out. That is, of course, merely hearsay, but is it not better than hearing the opposite?

The fact of the matter is that if we stand up now, and let it be known that this bill needs to pass, then poker may very well be legalized. The raids in Dallas, which have resulted in financial hardship for countless, and citations out the wazoo, can disappear. Poker can be brought above the table with this bill. So, if any part of you wants to see that happen, do something!

Follow this link, and enter your information into the fields on the right to find your representative and make your voice heard!

That is all.

J