HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2399

BYRepresentatives Baugher, McLean, Kirby, Brumsickle, Todd, D. Sommers, Brooks, Kremen, Inslee, Gallagher, Vekich and K. Wilson 

Amending raffle provisions.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (9)

      Signed by Representatives Vekich, Chair; Smith, Ranking Republican Member; Forner, Jones, R. King, Leonard, Prentice, Walker and Wolfe.

House Staff:Jim Kelley (786-7166)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Current law allows bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations to conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a license so long as certain conditions are met.  One of those conditions is that only bona fide members of the organization, who are not paid for such services, may participate in the management or operation of the activities. 

The statutory definition of "raffle" includes the provision that no person other than a bona fide member of a charitable or nonprofit organization takes any part in the management or operation of the game.

SUMMARY:

Bona fide charitable and nonprofit organizations may conduct bingo, raffles, and amusement games without a license even if a person who is not a member of the charitable or nonprofit organization participates in the operation of the game.  Nonmembers still may not participate in the management of such games.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Forrest Baugher, Prime Sponsor.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    This bill is a direct result of overzealous enforcement by the gambling commission.  The bill allows nonmembers of nonprofit or charitable organizations to sell raffle tickets to benefit the organizations.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.