| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
HB 3220
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Allowing counties, cities, and towns to conduct raffles under certain terms and conditions.
Sponsors: Representative Condotta.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/08
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
Washington's Gambling Act authorizes charitable and nonprofit organizations to conduct raffles
to raise funds for the organizations' stated purposes. The organization must be organized for one
of the purposes specified in statute which include agricultural, charitable, educational, political,
fraternal, or athletic purposes, and meet other requirements.
A raffle may be conducted as a licensed or unlicensed raffle. A license is required if: (1) the
gross revenue from all gambling fundraising conducted by the organization is more than $5,000
per year; (2) tickets are sold by someone other than a member of the organization; (3) tickets are
sold at a discount; (4) firearms are awarded as prizes; and (5) in certain other cases.
Credit unions and a group of executive branch state employees are considered nonprofit
organizations and may conduct unlicensed raffles under certain conditions.
Summary of Bill:
A county, city, or town is considered a nonprofit organization for purposes of organizations
authorized to conduct raffles and may conduct licensed or unlicensed raffles so long as the
revenue, less prizes and expenses, is used for community activities or tourism promotion
activities.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.