Saturday, April 22, 2006

As reported by the Advocate: "House committee Wednesday challenged Gov.
Kathleen Blanco by unanimously passing legislation she opposes. "'It's
personal now that the governor has tried to force the issue,' said Rep.
Warren Triche of his House Bill 1149, which would make clear that "Texas
Hold 'Em" poker tournaments, popular with some bars, are legal gambling.
"The committee unanimously approved the measure.

"Triche said the governor should wait until legislation reaches her desk and
not interfere with the legislative process.
".The governor said on March 27, the opening day of the legislative session,
that she would reject any bills that she deems an expansion of gambling.
".Blanco sent her chief lawyer, Terry Ryder, to remind members of the House
Criminal Justice Committee of her opposition.
".Triche's HB1149 is aimed at clarifying whether businesses' efforts to
exploit Texas Hold 'Em poker is legal or not. Spurred by the popularity of
televised poker tournaments, bar owners have hosted poker tournaments in
hopes of attracting business on slow nights.
"To avoid running afoul of the state's gambling laws, bar owners don't take
a cut of the wagers. But they do sell more drinks and food due to the
increased traffic brought in by the tournament."