SENATE BILL REPORT

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.

As of February 16, 2011

Title: An act relating to a veteran lottery raffle.

Brief Description: Authorizing a statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families.

Sponsors: Senators Conway, Swecker, Kastama, Hobbs, Roach, Kilmer, Shin and Kline.

Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 2/17/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION

Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)

Background: Lottery. The Washington Lottery was established in 1982. Lottery revenues are used for the following purposes:

education construction;
Education Legacy Trust Account;
stadium bonds;
problem gambling education;
economic development; and
General Fund.

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 ($1,000 in fiscal year 2007-09) 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: The Lottery Commission is directed, beginning 2011 and each subsequent year, 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: Requested on February 15, 2011.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.