HB1044
To Establish The Arkansas Sports Raffle Act; And To Declare An Emergency.
AI-Generated Summary
This bill establishes the "Arkansas Sports Raffle Act" to allow institutions of higher education and their affiliated nonprofit organizations to conduct specific types of raffles. It amends existing law to exempt these raffles from certain regulations under the Charitable Bingo and Raffles Enabling Act. These authorized raffles must be based on an official college sporting event between qualifying organizations. They can be conducted digitally or electronically, and prizes can be determined by the qualifying organization. Receipts from these raffles can be used for various purposes, including supporting student-athletes, athletic programs, academic programs, and athletic facilities. The bill also includes provisions for unclaimed prizes and restricts persons under 18 from purchasing tickets. Additionally, it makes exceptions for these sports raffles under various alcoholic beverage laws that prohibit gambling on licensed premises. The bill declares an emergency to allow for immediate implementation.
Potential Impact Analysis
Who Might Benefit?
The primary beneficiaries of this bill are institutions of higher education in Arkansas and their affiliated nonprofit organizations. These entities will gain the authority to conduct raffles, potentially generating new revenue streams. This revenue can be used to support student-athletes, provide scholarships, fund athletic programs, and contribute to academic endeavors. The bill also anticipates indirect benefits for students, faculty, and the broader community through enhanced educational and athletic programs and increased financial support for academic initiatives. Furthermore, the bill's emergency clause suggests that the state views these institutions as integral to economic development and commerce, implying a broader benefit to the state's economy.
Who Might Suffer?
The bill does not explicitly identify specific groups or entities that would be negatively impacted. However, by creating a new category of authorized raffles, it might indirectly impact existing charitable organizations that currently conduct raffles under different regulations, potentially increasing competition for donations. Additionally, the amendments to alcoholic beverage laws suggest that establishments holding liquor licenses might experience a shift in how gambling is regulated on their premises, though the bill frames these sports raffles as an exception rather than a direct prohibition. There is no information within the provided text to suggest negative impacts on individuals or the general public.