As lawmakers consider ways to fund Texas government, some are advocating an expansion of state-run gambling to include video lottery terminals, or VLTs. With some projecting a $2 billion windfall, VLTs are an attractive source of income, but studies indicate the costs may outweigh the benefits. Two background papers are also available; one summarizes the economic impacts of gambling, the other provides the calculations used to identify the additional fiscal cost of VLTs.
Criminal Justice
Accountability, Transparency, and Public Safety: A Conservative Approach to Bail Bond Oversight
Texas’s fragmented bail system lacks oversight, allowing bondsmen to profit while repeat offenders cycle through release with little accountability. Statewide regulation would strengthen enforcement, improve data transparency, and better protect public safety across counties. Key Points The current regulations for bondsmen in Texas provides limited oversight and a lack of consistency, leading to incongruous enforcement...
July 27, 2026