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HB 47

School Security Protection and Safety Infrastructure Act; enact

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Viola Davis and 2 co-sponsors

HB 47 seeks to amend Alabama's Constitution to allow regulated paper raffles and bingo for charity, enabling nonprofits to raise funds and generating state revenue.

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Bill Summary · HB 47

Summary of House Bill 47 (HB 47)

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HB 47
  • Title: Constitutional Amendment; noncommercial paper raffles and paper bingo for charitable purposes, authorized
  • Status: Currently Indefinitely Postponed
  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Classification: Bill
  • Subject: Gaming

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 47 proposes a constitutional amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022. The primary intent of the bill is to allow the Alabama Legislature to authorize, license, tax, and regulate traditional paper raffles and paper bingo games specifically for noncommercial charitable fundraising purposes. This amendment seeks to modify existing restrictions on gaming activities within the state.

Key Provisions

  1. Amendment to Existing Law:

    • The bill proposes to amend Section 65 of the Alabama Constitution, which currently prohibits the Legislature from authorizing lotteries or gift enterprises.
    • A new Section 65.1 would be added, permitting the Legislature to regulate traditional raffles and bingo games.

  2. Scope of Activities:

    • The activities allowed under this amendment would be limited to traditional raffles and bingo conducted using cardboard, paper, plastic, or similar materials.
    • All activities must be conducted solely for noncommercial charitable purposes.

  3. Fiscal Impact:

    • The bill is expected to increase the proclamation expenses of the Governor by approximately $100,000 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2027, which would be funded from the State General Fund.

Affected Parties

  • Charitable Organizations: Nonprofit entities seeking to raise funds through raffles and bingo would benefit from the legalization and regulation of these activities.
  • State Government: The Legislature would gain the authority to oversee and tax these gaming activities, potentially generating revenue for the state.

Procedural Aspects

  • Election Requirement: The proposed amendment would require approval from a majority of qualified voters in an election. The election process would follow the guidelines set forth in Sections 284 and 285 of the Alabama Constitution.
  • Legislative Timeline:
    • January 22, 2025: Bill introduced.
    • February 4, 2025: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism.
    • February 26, 2025: Reported out of committee and read for the second time.
    • May 6, 2025: Bill currently indefinitely postponed.

Conclusion

House Bill 47 aims to amend the Alabama Constitution to allow for the regulation of traditional paper raffles and bingo for charitable purposes. While it has the potential to provide new fundraising avenues for charitable organizations, its future remains uncertain due to its current status of indefinite postponement.

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

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