SAN ANTONIO —The Texas Supreme Court hears arguments Thursday in San Antonio about whether the $5 strip club entrance fee mandated by state lawmakers in 2007, is unconstitutional.

Many clubs have ignored the fee, which is intended to fund programs for sexual assault victims.

Lower courts ruled the fee is an improper regulation of free expression.

So far, the state has collected more than $13.6 million from the fee, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Office.

The money has been held in an account pending the outcome of the legal fight.

The Republican-led court is not expected to issue a ruling immediately.