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S 273

An Act to reduce lottery littering

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Directs the Massachusetts Treasurer to require the Lottery to run a statewide second-chance program for non-winning tickets, recycling them rather than littering, within 180 days.

Accompanied a study order, see S2674
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Bill Summary · S 273

Summary — S.273: "An Act to reduce lottery littering"

Overview / Purpose

S.273 requires the Massachusetts State Treasurer to direct the Massachusetts State Lottery to create a statewide "second chance" game for non-winning lottery and scratch tickets. The stated purpose is to increase recycling of those tickets and reduce their disposal as trash or litter.

Key provisions

  • The State Treasurer must instruct the Massachusetts State Lottery to develop a second‑chance game that includes all lottery tickets and scratch tickets that do not contain winning numbers.
  • The second‑chance game must be operational no later than 180 days after the bill’s enactment.
  • The bill itself is short and prescriptive about the objective and timeline; it does not specify program design elements (e.g., entry mechanics, collection methods, prizes, funding, privacy safeguards or reporting requirements).

Who would be affected

  • Massachusetts State Treasurer’s Office — responsible for issuing the instruction.
  • Massachusetts State Lottery — required to design, run and operate the second‑chance program.
  • Lottery players — non‑winning tickets would become eligible for entry rather than being discarded.
  • Retailers that sell lottery tickets — may be asked to participate in collection or customer outreach, depending on program design.
  • Municipalities, recycling/solid‑waste managers and environmental groups — could see changes in litter/recycling volumes and may be partners for collection and processing.
  • State budget/administration — the Lottery or Treasurer may incur implementation costs; the bill does not appropriate funds.

Timeline & procedural status (selected actions)

  • Filed: 1/13/2025 (Senate docket); Introduced: 1/28/2025 (Senate).
  • Referred to Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (1/28/2025); ordered reported with amendment (2/05/2025); reported (2/10/2025).
  • Also referred to Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (2/27/2025).
  • Hearing scheduled 06/23/2025.
  • Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (2/10/2025).
  • Notation: “Accompanied a study order, see S2674” (10/30/2025).
  • Petitioner listed: Senator Patrick M. O’Connor. (Metadata lists other cosponsors that appear to be inconsistent with this state bill and likely in error.)

Potential impacts and implementation considerations

  • Likely environmental benefit if it successfully redirects non‑winning tickets to recycling/collection channels.
  • Administrative and operational work for the Lottery: program design, prize structure, collection logistics (mail, drop‑off points, retailer involvement), verification/anti‑fraud measures, outreach and data/reporting.
  • Funding issues are unresolved — the bill contains no appropriation or direction on covering program costs.
  • Privacy, entitlement and fraud controls will need to be addressed in program rules.
  • Effectiveness will depend on program accessibility and incentives offered to players to return or register non‑winning tickets.

Open questions

  • How will tickets be collected and verified for recycling (physical drop‑off vs. registration of ticket numbers)?
  • Who pays for prizes, administration and any recycling logistics?
  • Will the Lottery be required to report outcomes (e.g., tons collected, reduction in litter)?
  • How will the program ensure environmental benefit (actual recycling vs. simple re‑use/disposal)?

This bill sets a clear directive and 180‑day implementation deadline but leaves substantive program design and funding to the Treasurer and the Lottery.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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