HB326 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James O. Gordon

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Prichard, bingo authorized by nonprofit organizations for charitable and education purposes, const. amend.

Summary

A local constitutional amendment to legalize nonprofit bingo for charitable, educational, and other lawful purposes in the City of Prichard, regulated by the city.

What This Bill Does

If passed, nonprofit organizations could operate bingo games for prizes or money in Prichard. The city council would create licensing rules and oversee compliance, with age restrictions and other safeguards: players and operators must be at least 19 years old, nonprofits must have existed in the city for at least three years before receiving a permit, and bingo must be conducted on property owned or leased by the nonprofit. Prizes are limited to cash or gifts of equivalent value as set by rules, and nonprofits may contract with others to operate or advertise bingo, including paying for services and using their name in advertising under certain conditions.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations in Prichard that want to operate bingo for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes, subject to licensing and existence requirements.
• Residents and potential players in Prichard who would participate in bingo (restricted to those 19 and older) and the broader community affected by prize limits and local regulatory oversight.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the operation of bingo by nonprofit organizations in the City of Prichard for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes.
• The city council shall promulgate licensing rules and regulations for bingo within the city and ensure compliance with these rules.
• Age restrictions: no person under 19 may play or assist in operating a bingo game.
• License eligibility: a nonprofit must have existed in the city for at least three years prior to receiving a permit or license.
• Operational rules: bingo may be conducted on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit; nonprofits may contract with individuals or entities to operate or provide concessions; nonprofits may pay consulting fees for services related to bingo; nonprofits may lend their name for advertising or operation under certain conditions.
• Prize limits: the cash amount or gifts of equivalent value awarded in any bingo session or week must be set by rule or regulation.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Mobile County