House Judiciary committee votes 'do not pass' on proposed constitutional ban on political use of charitable gaming proceeds

The House Judiciary Committee voted 9–3 to recommend “do not pass” on Senate Concurrent Resolution 40‑27, a proposed constitutional amendment that would prohibit the use of most charitable gaming proceeds to support political campaigns, candidates, ballot measures or political organizations.

Senator Sean Cleary, who represents District 35 and introduced the resolution, told the committee the measure was intended to “draw a bright line” between charitable gaming and political activity as charitable gaming has grown in the state following the introduction of electronic pull‑tab machines. Cleary said the amendment would allow raffles to continue: “proceeds from a game of chance, lottery, or similar activity may not be used to support, finance, or influence any political campaign candidate for office, ballot measure, or political organization, unless…