Committee adopts resolution to study feasibility of online lottery sales to boost K‑12 funding

The House Criminal Justice Committee adopted House Resolution 217 by Vice Chair LaFleur on June 2, 2025, requesting a study into the feasibility of authorizing online sales of state lottery tickets and comparing procurement approaches to maximize revenue for K‑12 schools.

Vice Chair LaFleur read the resolution into the record and described its purpose as an effort “to modernize Louisiana's lottery operations” and generate “much needed additional funding for K through 12 schools across the state by authorizing online sale of lottery tickets.” The author explained the resolution does not itself authorize online sales but requests further study.

An amendment originating in committee directs the study to include an analysis of other states’ processes for allowing online ticket sales and to compare using existing contracts versus procuring a new vendor to determine which approach would maximize revenue. Vice Chair LaFleur confirmed the resolution does not create a separate task force and that the work will be handled within the committee during the interim.

The committee adopted the amendment without objection and then adopted HR 217 as amended. The chair announced the adoption: “Hearing none, let HR 2 17 be adopted as amended.”

The resolution sets no funding or procurement action; it instead instructs the committee’s interim work to evaluate models, revenue estimates and procurement options. The committee indicated it will await appointments to the study and will carry the item forward for further consideration when its interim review is complete.