Summary of Bill S 2613

Bill Number: S 2613

Title: Requires the state to keep state lottery winners' identities anonymous

Status: Referred to Ways and Means

Introduced: January 21, 2025

Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 2613 aims to protect the privacy of individuals who win state lottery prizes by ensuring that their identities remain confidential. The intent behind this legislation is to safeguard winners from potential harassment, unwanted attention, and other negative consequences that may arise from public disclosure of their identities.

Key Provisions

• Anonymity for Winners: The bill mandates that the identities of all state lottery winners be kept confidential. This includes any personal information that could reveal the winner's identity.

• Implementation of Privacy Measures: The state lottery commission will be responsible for establishing procedures to ensure that winners' identities are not disclosed to the public or media.

• Exceptions: The bill may outline specific circumstances under which the identity of a winner could be disclosed, although these details are not specified in the current summary.

Who Would Be Affected

• Lottery Winners: Individuals who win state lottery prizes will benefit from the anonymity provisions, allowing them to enjoy their winnings without the fear of public scrutiny.

• State Lottery Commission: The commission will need to implement new policies and procedures to comply with the anonymity requirements, potentially requiring additional resources or training.

• Media and Public: The bill will limit the ability of media outlets and the public to access information about lottery winners, changing how lottery stories are reported.

Legislative Timeline

• January 21, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
• February 11, 2025: The bill was reported for the first time (1st Report Cal. 332).
• February 12, 2025: The bill advanced to the second reading (2nd Report Cal.).
• February 24, 2025: The bill advanced to the third reading.
• February 25, 2025: The bill passed the Senate and was delivered to the Assembly, where it was referred to the Ways and Means Committee.

Related Bills

• S 5466: Prior session bill addressing similar issues.
• S 7267: Prior session bill related to lottery operations.
• S 1452: Prior session bill with provisions affecting gaming regulations.
• S 1807: Prior session bill concerning lottery prize distribution.

Conclusion

Bill S 2613 represents a significant shift in how state lottery winners' identities are handled, prioritizing their privacy and security. As it moves through the legislative process, stakeholders, including lottery participants and the media, will need to adapt to the new regulations if enacted.