Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
SB 5806
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: Authorizing a statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Swecker, Kastama, Hobbs, Roach, Kilmer, Shin and Kline.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 4/14/11
Staff: Jeff Olsen (786-7175).
Background:
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;
economic development; and
the State General Fund.
The Washington Lottery has general authority to conduct draw games. A raffle is a type of draw game where the Lottery conducts a drawing to determine winning tickets. Proceeds from raffles are deposited into the State Lottery Account. Washington has conducted three raffles, including the Thanksgiving Raffle in 2010, which generated approximately $2.5 million in sales and $330,000 for beneficiaries.
Veterans Innovations Program.
In 2006 the Legislature established the Veterans Innovations Program (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.
Two separate programs were created within the VIP: the Defenders' Fund Program and the Competitive Grant Program. The Defenders' Fund Program allows recent veterans to receive a one-time financial hardship grant of no more than $500 related to employment, education, housing, and health care. The Competitive Grant Program provides crisis and emergency relief and education, training, and employment assistance.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning in 2011 and each subsequent year, the Lottery Commission is directed to conduct a statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families. The veterans raffle tickets will go on sale on Labor Day with a drawing to occur on Veteran's Day, November 11th of each year. All revenues received from the sale of the games, less amounts paid out in prizes and actual administrative expenses related to the veteran lottery games, must be deposited into the VIP Account for purposes of serving veterans and their families.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.