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Committee clears increase to non‑cash meat‑raffle prize limits, keeps cash prize cap intact
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Summary
House File 4090, sponsored by Representative Nash, would raise non‑cash merchandise prize limits for paddle‑wheel/meat‑raffles to $200 while keeping the cash prize cap at $70; charitable organizations and tribal gaming representatives supported the change and asked for clarification on whether Visa/near‑cash gift cards count as merchandise.
Representative Nash presented House File 4090 to raise the value cap for non‑cash meat‑raffle prizes from $70 to $200 while keeping the cash prize limit at $70. Nash said raising the merchandise limit helps charities and youth sports groups that rely on meat‑raffles to fund activities and that grocery‑price increases have made the existing statutory limit outdated.
Tim Engstrom of the Bloomington American Legion and Dean Schutte of Ally Charities and the Claremont Chamber described how meat raffles (classified in statute as paddle‑wheel charitable gambling) help fund youth sports and local programs and noted costs for meat have risen significantly since statutory limits were set. "For years they've had great meat products... but as grocery store prices rise it's necessary for the legislature to adjust its numbers," Engstrom said.
Andy Plato of the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association said tribal members support the bill if the intent remains to exclude cash prizes from the increase and requested clarity about Visa and other easily redeemable gift cards; he asked that such near‑cash instruments be treated consistently with the cash‑prize cap if sponsors intend that approach. Nash pledged to work on a floor amendment to clarify gift‑card language during floor engrossment.
The committee voted to re‑refer HF4090, as amended, to the general register.
