Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 2141

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: Concerning the registration of lottery tickets and shares.

Sponsors: Representatives Ericks, Condotta, Springer, Newhouse, Eddy, Armstrong and Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Allows persons to register lottery tickets for second chance drawings using the Internet.

Hearing Date: 2/17/09

Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106)

Background:

The state Lottery Commission (Commission) has authority to determine the type of lottery to be conducted, the manner of selecting the winning tickets or shares, and the method to be used in selling tickets or shares. Legislation enacted in 2006 states that tickets or shares may not be sold over the Internet.

Some tickets allow a person with a losing ticket to enter a second chance drawing. The Commission requires players to send in the ticket through the United States Postal Service.

Summary of Bill:

Lottery tickets that allow for voluntary registration of individual tickets for additional prizes at no additional cost may be registered via the Internet, in addition to via the United States Postal Service, and are not considered a sale.

Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 2/13/09.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.