AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether the state's so-called "pole tax," a $5 entrance fee at strip clubs, is constitutional.

The fee was meant to fund programs assisting victims of sexual assault. Lower courts have ruled it an unconstitutional regulation of free expression.

Although many clubs have ignored the fee, more than $12 million has been collected. That money has been held in an account pending the outcome of the legal battle.

The Supreme Court on Friday scheduled oral arguments in the case for March 25.

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