Hardin County tightens game-room rules after public hearing and legal review

The Hardin County Commissioners Court on Oct. 28 adopted amendments to the county's game‑room regulations after a public hearing and a legal review that cited recent Fort Worth Court of Appeals decisions.

County Attorney Matthew Minnick described the proposed changes as "adding these 2 paragraphs here" to the existing March 22, 2022 regulations to reflect case law and to "tighten[] the regulations a little bit more to make sure that the sheriff has the authority to regulate the game rooms as allowed by law." Sheriff Mark Davis and Captain Custer spoke in support of clarifying the sheriff's enforcement authority. Two members of the public who spoke during the hearing opposed allowing game rooms in Hardin County.

The amendment language discussed by county staff references the Court of Appeals, Second Appellate District of Texas, case styled City of Fort Worth v. D. Cook (No. 02-17-00185-CV, as cited in the agenda). Minnick told the court the commissioners' authority does not permit a total ban on game rooms but does allow regulation; the amendments are intended to ensure the county's rules conform to that legal limit.

A motion to adopt the amended regulations was made by Commissioner Pertendahl and seconded by Commissioner Young. The court adopted the changes by voice vote; the judge said the amendments "are going to effect today." After the vote, the judge thanked Sheriff Davis, Captain Custer and County Attorney Minnick for their work and members of the public who participated in the hearing.

The court noted three municipal police chiefs and a city representative were present for the item: Chief Williford (Coontz), Chief Southerns (Lumberton), Chief Hurdleson (Sour Lake) and a representative from the City of Silsbee, Martin.

The amendments were described in the meeting as regulatory clarifications to conform to appellate case law; the court did not adopt a categorical prohibition on game rooms.