HCS/SS/SCS/SB 525 - This act regulates the conducting of raffles and sweepstakes by charitable and religious organizations. No license is required for sweepstakes or for organizations conducting raffles totaling less than $15,000 per calendar year, but the organizations are required to have papers and premises open for inspection by the Gaming Commission as well as other restrictions. Organizations conducting raffles over $15,000 per year are required:

(1) To be licensed; (2) To pay out at least 50% of the gross receipts in prizes when the raffle being conducted has prizes exceeding $25,000; (3) To keep their application information current and to report any changes within 30 days; (4) To prohibit use of proceeds to pay for leasing or owning the premises where the raffle is conducted; and (5) To require the use of the net proceeds for a charitable or religious purpose.

Applicants for a license are required to submit a copy of their tax-exemption letter and federal ID number, a copy of any articles of incorporation and certificate of incorporation, and a statement indicating whether the organization has had a previous application revoked, refused or surrendered. Licensees are required to provide additional information as reasonably requested by the Gaming Commission.

Any person who violates the licensing provisions of the act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

Any charitable or religious organization that awards 20% or more of the gross receipts of the raffle or sweepstake as prizes shall be exempt from this act.

The act has an emergency clause.

This act is similar to CCS/SS/SCS/HS/HCS/HB 793.
MARGARET J. TOALSON