When the Texas Racing Commission decided to ignore the state’s constitution and draw power to themselves, they also thumbed their noses at the Texas Senate’s GOP caucus who specifically asked them not to adopt the proposed rule. It was an extremely bad move, all the way around.
Now comes news they find themselves without the funds to defend their unconstitutional action. That’s good news for taxpayers AND the rule of law!
The commission had tried to dishonestly mislabel slot machines as “historical racing” devices. It waddled, quaked and flew in a flock, but the Texas Racing Commissiom wanted to call it a turtle.
As a result, the commission is defunded in the Senate’s proposed budget. This means the commission cannot even appeal an Austin district court ruling blocking their expansion because they don’t have the cash to do so.
Goin a step further, State Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) has filed legislation abolishing the Texas Racing Commission altogether.
Because of their unbridled arrogance, the Texas Racing Commission will long serve as a cautionary tale for state agencies that get too big for their britches. They will serve as a warning to agencies that, yes, despite what your industry cronies and pals might say, you can go way too far.
