Texas legislation aims to ensure Kickapoo Tribe's gaming standing.

A Texas senator has proposed a measure aimed at ensuring the Kickapoo Tribe's status should the state approve laws broadening the gaming industry.

Sponsored by Sen. Roland Gutierrez, Senate Joint Resolution 30 suggests a constitutional amendment allowing the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas to run casino operations using a gaming compact with the state.

It says taxes would be limited to 3% of net win and the tribe must be let to provide any kind of gambling that becomes available within 200 miles of their Lucky Eagle Casino.

Under present Federal legislation in Texas, a limited number of three tribal entities can offer casino gaming. The list include the Speaking Rock Entertainment Centre in El Paso, Naskila Gaming in Livingston, and Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass.

But with laws moving towards larger gambling in the state, the Gutierrez measure would codify Kickapoo's stance using a gaming compact.

November 2022 Senate Joint Resolution 17 lays the groundwork for a new agency called the Texas Gaming Commission, which would oversee legalised gaming in Texas.

With the revenues going towards tax relief and funding for public safety and education, casino gaming would be authorzsed at a "limited number of destination resorts and facilities". Democrat Houston-based state legislator Carol Alvarado wrote the amendment.

"If, after January 1, 2024, this state by general law or constitutional amendment authorises video lottery terminals, slot machines, or other forms of gaming not otherwise authorised before that date within 200 miles of the reservation of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas near Eagle Pass, Texas, the tribe is authorised to offer the same types of games or devices as authorised under that law or amendment at a location designated by the tribe.

"A tax or fee may not be imposed on the tribe in an amount that exceeds the amount of another gaming facility operator in this state pays."

The Alvarado state amendment would ask Indian casinos to pay taxes covering a further share of their income. The measure would also ask the same tribe operators to follow all state rules pertaining to Federal legislation or have a proper gaming agreement.