HR 193 Summary – Tennessee 114th General Assembly
Overview
- Type: House Resolution approving annual charitable gaming events for a specified period.
- Purpose: Authorize a list of qualifying annual events conducted by eligible 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organizations within Tennessee, in accordance with Article XI, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution and the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law.
- Effective window for authorization: July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
- Procedural note: Pursuant to the Tennessee Constitution, annual events for qualified nonprofits require a two-thirds vote of all members elected to each chamber; HR 193 serves to authorize these specific events for the 2026-2027 period.
Key Provisions
- Authorization scope: The resolution authorizes a comprehensive Omnibus List of Qualifying Annual Event Applicants across multiple counties and organizations. Each listed event is identified with:
- Event name
- Event type (e.g., raffle, reverse raffle, bingo, car show, scavenger/fundraiser style events)
- Event date(s)
- Event location/address
- Eligible entities: 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) organizations located in Tennessee.
- Event types authorized: Mostly fundraising raffles and reverse raffles, with some bingo events, car shows, dinners, golf fundraisers, and other charitable gaming activities.
- Geographic coverage: Extensive statewide listing, including counties such as Anderson, Blount, Davidson, Hamilton, Knox, Madison, Rutherford, Shelby, Sumner, Williamson, Wilson, and many others. The list enumerates dozens of individual events spread across numerous communities.
- Compliance framework: The events listed adhere to the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law and the constitutional provision requiring two-thirds approval by the General Assembly for annual events benefiting these nonprofits.
Impact and Affected Parties
- Beneficiaries: Tennessee nonprofit organizations operating under 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) status, which would conduct the authorized annual gaming events to raise funds for charitable activities.
- Participants and attendees: Individuals participating in raffles, reverse raffles, bingo, and related activities in the listed events.
- Local communities: The authorized events span many counties, potentially influencing local fundraising calendars, event planning, and charitable initiatives.
- Regulators and oversight: The Division of Charitable Solicitations and Gaming within the Office of the Secretary of State would continue to oversee qualifying events under state law, ensuring compliance with charitable gaming regulations.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
- Renewal cadence: The authorization is limited to the 2026-2027 fiscal year (07/01/2026 to 06/30/2027). Any events beyond this period would require a separate General Assembly approval.
- Constitutional mechanism: The bill is enacted as a resolution, aligning with Article XI, Section 5 requirements for annual nonprofit gaming events and the two-thirds legislative vote threshold.
- Enactment history: HR 193 was signed by the Speaker on 2026-04-14, enrolled, and prepared for the Speaker’s signature; it reflects existing process to authorize the listed events for the 2026-2027 period.
Notes on Content and Detail
- The document provides granular listings for each county and event, including multiple entries per county with precise event names, dates, and venues.
- Dollar amounts, percentages, or distinct regulatory changes beyond the listed events are not specified in the resolution; the primary change is formal authorization of the listed events under constitutional and statutory nonprofit gaming law for the stated period.
Bottom line
HR 193 is a targeted, time-limited authorization by the Tennessee General Assembly approving a detailed roster of charitable gaming events for eligible 501(c) organizations from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, in compliance with constitutional and state nonprofit gaming requirements. It does not introduce new statutory changes beyond confirming the listed events are permitted for the 2026-2027 term.