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Lawmaker says bill would let nonprofits sell raffle tickets online; includes emergency clause
Summary
Rep. Meredith Craig said House Bill 476 responds to cease-and-desist letters to volunteer groups over online raffles, noting "according to state statute ... you cannot sell tickets for a raffle online," and that the bill includes an emergency clause to expedite relief.
State Rep. Meredith Craig said House Bill 476 was written to address confusion and enforcement actions that knocked small nonprofits and volunteer groups offline.
Craig recounted phone calls from a local police chief and volunteer shelter staff after groups received cease-and-desist notices for online raffles. "According to state statute, uh, you cannot sell tickets for a raffle online," she said, and described working with Rep. David Thomas to draft a fix. Craig said the bill includes an emergency clause and was expedited out of the House, and she hopes the Senate will take it up quickly.
The measure is intended to restore a common fundraising tool for charities and volunteers; Craig said groups such as Habitat for Humanity and local fire departments were affected. Craig did not provide the statute citation or the bill's fiscal analysis on the program.
The interview did not record a Senate action or final enactment. Craig described the bill as urgent for community groups reliant on raffles for fundraising.
