This section says bingo is allowed in an area only if a successful election under the chapter authorizes it, and it sets rules for which local election status controls when election results or territory changes conflict.
Sec. 2001.657. DETERMINATION OF LOCAL OPTION STATUS. (a) In determining whether bingo under this chapter is permitted in an area, the rules provided by this section apply. (b) Bingo is permitted in an area only as the result of a successful election held under this chapter. (c) To the extent that the results of local option elections held by different types of political subdivisions conflict with regard to the same territory, the relative dates of the elections are of no consequence and the following rules apply: (1) the status of an area as determined by a municipal election prevails over a contrary status as determined by a justice precinct or county election; and (2) the status of an area as determined by a justice precinct election prevails over the contrary status of the area as determined by a county election. (d) If two or more local option elections held at the justice precinct level apply to the same territory, the most recent election prevails. (e) If a municipality has established a status by a municipal election, territory annexed to the municipality after that status is established assumes the status under this chapter of the rest of the municipality. Territory detached from the municipality assumes the status the territory would have had if it had never been a part of the municipality. If the detached territory is added to another municipality that has established a status by a municipal election, the territory assumes the status of the municipality to which it is added. (f) The addition of territory to or detachment of territory from a justice precinct does not affect the status under this chapter of the added or detached territory, except that in a county with a population of more than 3.3 million the added or detached territory assumes the status of the justice precinct of which it becomes a part. The abolition of a justice precinct does not affect the status under this chapter of the territory formerly within the justice precinct. Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 669, Sec. 115, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.