H-3242.2 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 2411
_______________________________________________
State of Washington 52nd Legislature 1992 Regular Session
By Representatives O'Brien, G. Cole, Heavey and Scott
Read first time 01/16/92. Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
AN ACT Relating to the state lottery; amending RCW 67.70.240; adding new sections to chapter 67.70 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that:
(1) Through the lottery the state is actively involved in promoting gambling and bears a direct responsibility to identify and address problems exacerbated by lottery promotions and profits;
(2) Compulsive gambling is a serious social problem and there is evidence that increasing the availability of gambling increases the risk that more citizens will become addicted to gambling; and
(3) A greater understanding of the extent and nature of problem and compulsive gambling will better enable the state lottery commission to carry out various legislative mandates consistent with the public interest, allowing public welfare to be served.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 67.70 RCW to read as follows:
A nonprofit state-based organization, selected by the office of financial management, with expertise in public education, research, training, treatment, and prevention of problem and compulsive gambling, shall:
(1) Maintain a toll-free "800" telephone number providing crisis counseling and referral services to individuals and families experiencing difficulty as a result of problem or compulsive gambling;
(2) Promote public awareness about recognition and prevention of problem and compulsive gambling;
(3) Facilitate, through in-service training and other means, the availability of effective assistance programs for problem or compulsive gamblers; and
(4) Conduct studies that identify populations of adults and juveniles who are, or who are at risk of becoming, problem or compulsive gamblers.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. A new section is added to chapter 67.70 RCW to read as follows:
There is established under the custody of the state treasurer a special fund to be known as the compulsive gambling fund, which shall be used in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of this act. The state treasurer is authorized to receive gifts, grants, donations, devises, and bequests of moneys for this fund from a governmental agency, public or private entity, or individual who may be interested in making a contribution or contributions for this purpose.
Sec. 4. RCW 67.70.240 and 1987 c 513 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
The
moneys in the state lottery account shall be used only: (1) For the payment of
prizes to the holders of winning lottery tickets or shares; (2) for purposes of
making deposits into the reserve account created by RCW 67.70.250 and into the
lottery administrative account created by RCW 67.70.260; (3) for purposes of
making deposits into the state's general fund; (4) ((for purposes of making
deposits into the housing trust fund under the provisions of section 7 of this
1987 act; (5))) for the purchase and promotion of lottery games and
game-related services; ((and (6))) (5) for the payment of agent
compensation; and (6) for the purposes of section 2 of this act.
The office of financial management shall require the allotment of all expenses paid from the account and shall report to the ways and means committees of the senate and house of representatives any changes in the allotments.