GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - A Texas lawmaker has proposed subsidizing the state's underfunded windstorm insurance and flooding assistance by building casinos in coastal counties.

Galveston Daily News reports state Rep. Joe Deshotel filed the bill this month to cover the cost of the Texas Insurance Agency by proposing to tax licensed casinos. The measure would give the Texas Lottery Commission the power to issue six licenses to operate casinos across six counties.

This latest iteration of the bill would send part of the tax to a flooding assistance trust fund. The governor's office could then use the trust fund for emergency assistance during disasters like Hurricane Harvey.

Legislators will discuss making changes to the windstorm association during the coming legislative session, which begins on Jan. 8. The deadline to file bills is March 8.

Information from: The Galveston County Daily News, http://www.galvnews.com

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