House committee hears widespread opposition to gaming bill that would narrow who may conduct charitable gaming

Senate Bill 2035, a Judiciary-committee bill that narrows definitions of "public spirited organizations" and revises raffle and eligible-use language, drew broad opposition in the House Education Committee hearing. Presenters said the bill, as written, would unintentionally remove long-standing charitable gaming authority from many local organizations that rely on proceeds to fund community programs and economic development.

Senator Yana Merinal (District 19) introduced the bill and said it reflects the judiciary interim committee’s effort to return the statutory definition of public spirited organizations to its original intent and add guardrails on broad categories such as tourism and adult amateur athletics. Legislative counsel Austin Gunderson provided neutral, technical explanation of the bill’s sections and said the measure clarifies definitions and updates related raffle and eligible-use code sections (N.D.C.C. 53-06.103, 53-06.110.1 and 53-06.1-11.1).

Testimony in opposition came from a wide set of groups. Bill Kalanick of the Charitable Gaming Association of North Dakota said the bill’s wording is "highly subjective and open to various interpretations" and warned it could remove…