SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1053
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection, March 16, 2009
Title: An act relating to raffle ticket prices.
Brief Description: Concerning raffle ticket prices.
Sponsors: Representatives Moeller, Williams, Conway, Wood, Chase and Hunt.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/27/09, 93-1.
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 3/16/09 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Honeyford, King and Kline.
Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)
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. By rule, if the total value of raffle prizes offered in a year exceeds $80,000 or the retail value of a prize is $40,000 or more, Gambling Commission approval is required in addition to a license.
The maximum price of a raffle ticket is $25.
Summary of Bill: The maximum price of a raffle ticket is raised from $25 to $100.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The price of a raffle ticket has not changed since 1995. This bill will make it easier for faith-based and nonprofit organizations to raise funds and continue their good work. People will have an incentive to buy higher priced tickets because they will have a better chance of winning as fewer tickets will need to be sold. An organization could specify that a minimum number of tickets be sold.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; Julie Burger, Congregation Kol Ami.