March 10, 1999
Bill introduced to outlaw eight-liners
___By Ken Camp
___Texas Baptist Communications
___AUSTIN--A state representative has introduced a bill that would outlaw "eight-liners" and other slot machine-style gambling machines in Texas.
___Rep. Terry Keel, R-Austin, introduced HB 1690 on Feb. 22. The bill adds the term "slot machine" to the list of prohibited devices in the state's penal code and redefines the term "bona fide amusement device" to be one "for which skill is the predominant requirement to win or be awarded a thing of value." A companion bill was to be filed in the Sen-ate by Sen. David Sibley, R-Waco.
___According to the new definition, the "thing of value" must be merchandise on the premises, not cash or a cash equivalent. The value of any prize for single play cannot exceed $5, and the average wholesale value of prizes may not be more than $10.
___The legislation is long overdue, according to Weston Ware, associate director of the Texas Bap-tist Christian Life Commission. "We've worked to see this happen since the last legislature two years ago, when a similar bill was killed in the waning hours of the session."
___Ware encouraged Texas Baptists who support the bill to contact Keel and other members of the House Criminal Jurispru-dence Committee: Juan Hinojosa, D-McAllen, chairman; Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, vice chair; Domingo Garcia, D-Dallas; Rick Green, R-Dripping Springs; Joe Nixon, R-Houston; Todd Smith, R-Euless; Robert Talton, R-Pasadena; and Mike Wise, D-Weslaco.
___Eight-liners most frequently are found at corner grocery stores and truck stops.Frontpage / Contents/ Masthead / Why We're Here / Links / Archive / E-mail us/ SUBSCRIBE!