HOUSTON — www.chron.com- Records show about half the strip clubs in Texas aren’t paying the state a $5-per-patron entrance fee required under a two-year-old law that was declared unconstitutional and is facing repeal in the Legislature.

The Houston Chronicle reported Sunday that $12.2 million has been collected since the law went into effect last year. That’s far short of the $50 million expected.

The state ordered businesses to keep paying while it appeals a ruling that the law amounts to a tax that infringes on customers’ civil rights. Records show about 100 clubs have ignored the fee entirely.

The Texas Comptroller’s office is hanging on to the money during the appeal. The law was meant to fund programs assisting victims of sexual assault.