Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Appropriations Committee |
HB 1982
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: Eliminating lottery games that generate insufficient net revenue.
Sponsors: Representative Hunter.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/18/13
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7175).
Background:
State Lottery.
The Washington Lottery (Lottery) was established in 1982 to produce revenues for the state. Proceeds from lottery revenues are deposited into the State Lottery Account to support lottery operations and also for specific beneficiaries. Lottery beneficiaries include:
the Washington Opportunity Pathways Account;
distributions to counties for payment of stadium bonds;
problem gambling education;
Veterans Innovation Program;
economic development; and
the State General Fund.
Veterans' Raffle.
In 2011 the Legislature established an annual Veteran's Day Raffle. The Lottery Commission was directed to conduct an annual statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families. All revenues received from the sale of the tickets, less amounts paid out in prizes and actual administrative expenses related to the veteran lottery games, must be deposited into the Veterans Innovations Program (VIP) Account for purposes of serving veterans and their families. The raffle generated approximately $270,000 in net revenues during fiscal year 2012. However, in fiscal year 2013, the Veteran’s Day Raffle did not generate net revenues for distribution to the VIP Account.
Veterans Innovations Program (VIP).
In 2006 the Legislature established the VIP within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The purpose of the VIP is to provide crisis and emergency relief and education, training, and employment assistance to veterans and their families. The VIP terminates on June 30, 2016.
Summary of Bill:
The requirement for the Washington State Lottery to conduct an annual Veteran's Day lottery raffle is repealed. Transfers to the VIP account from the raffle are eliminated.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on March 13, 2013.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.