Jose Menendez Pulls Texas Poker Bill

**Moderator**

Jose Menendez Pulls Texas Poker Bill
http://www.gamblingonlinemagazine.com/gambling-news-detail.php?articleID=1135

Representative Jose Menendez, one of the driving forces behind the prospective Poker Gaming Act of 2009, dealt a bad beat to Texan poker players last week after deciding to withdraw the bill from the House of Representatives.

Menendez, who originally sponsored House Bill 222, decided to suspend the bill in the knowledge that it would ultimately face defeat at the hands of Governor Rick Perry, who vowed to veto any legislation that would expand gaming.

HB 222 was first introduced in November 2008 to brand poker a game of skill and pave the way for Indian tribes, charitable organisations and public houses to obtain licenses that would enable them to host poker games and tournaments.

Menendez hoped that the addition of tax, half of which was assigned to benefit homeless programs in Texas, would be the caveat that made the bill passable in the legislature, but when HB 222 finally reached the House of Representatives, he felt it would experience great difficulties in attracting votes.

When Menendez presented the bill to the House last Thursday, he spoke of the need for it to be passed in light of everyday poker players living in constant fear of being robbed or raided by the police, but conceded he was short on votes and would willingly suspend the bill and remove it from the House agenda.

With Texas Hold’em currently remaining illegal, the earliest Menendez would be able to reintroduce the legislation is 2010, but with Governor Perry promising to veto the bill regardless of circumstances, pro-gaming legislators may decide to postpone any further bills until after the next state election.