SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6059
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 January 11, 2012
Title: An act relating to veterans' raffle.
Brief Description: Establishing the veterans' raffle.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Kastama, Shin, Kohl-Welles and Roach.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/10/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Staff: Ingrid Mungia (786-7423)
Background: The Washington Lottery was established in 1982. Lottery revenues are used for the following purposes:
Washington Opportunity Pathways Account;
stadium bonds;
problem gambling education;
economic development; and
General Fund.
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.
In 2011 the Legislature established the veterans' raffle. The Lottery Commission was directed to conduct an annual statewide raffle to benefit veterans and their families. The veterans' raffle tickets go on sale on Labor Day with a drawing to occur on Veteran's Day, November 11, 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.
Summary of Bill: Removes the provision requiring the veterans' raffle tickets to go on sale beginning on Labor Day with a drawing to occur on Veteran's Day, November 11, of each year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill would give more flexibility to the Lottery. Veterans Day will coincide with the presidential election next year, which will make advertising and selling tickets for the raffle more difficult. It would be good to shorten the time frame the tickets are for sale. The Lottery needs to do a better job of penetrating the veterans population for this game. Veterans support this bill.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Steve Conway, prime sponsor; Arlen Harris, Jim Warick, Washington State Lottery; Ted Wizorek, Veterans Legislative Coalition.