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Bill would let domestic‑violence victims claim lottery prizes anonymously; sponsor says commissioner would retain identity
Summary
HB 485 would let certain lottery winners — victims of domestic violence, holders of restraining orders, or persons the Lottery commissioner deems at risk — remain anonymous without using a trust; sponsors told the committee the change addresses safety concerns while keeping commissioner access to the winner’s identity.
The committee heard HB 485, sponsored by Representative Ron Dunn, which would permit certain lottery winners to remain anonymous if they meet specific criteria: the winner is a victim of domestic violence, has an active restraining order, or the lottery commissioner determines anonymity is necessary for the winner’s safety.
Under current New Hampshire law, a lottery winner who wishes to remain anonymous generally must claim a prize through a trust or other vehicle that shields the individual’s identity. Representative Dunn told the committee he drafted HB 485 with input from Lottery Commission counsel to preserve internal transparency — the commission would know the winner’s identity — while not requiring victims to use a trust to protect their safety.
Dunn said the change is narrowly tailored for safety reasons and that broader proposals to make all winners anonymous would undermine the Lottery’s promotional activities and transparency. The bill’s sponsor and supporters cited examples and testimony from other jurisdictions showing risks to winners who return to public life after a jackpot win.
No committee vote was taken; several lawmakers commended the sponsor on the public‑safety focus and Representative Henry Gieson noted he supported expanding anonymity in the future but endorsed this targeted approach as a starting point.
