HB580 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Earl F. Hilliard

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

Merika Coleman

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Midfield, bingo, authorized for certain charitable or educational purposes, penalties, const. amend.

Summary

This bill would put on the ballot a local constitutional amendment to allow bingo games run by nonprofit organizations in the City of Midfield, Jefferson County, for charitable or educational purposes.

What This Bill Does

It would authorize a local constitutional amendment to let nonprofit groups operate bingo in Midfield for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes. The Midfield City Council would create licensing rules and oversee the operation, including age limits (no one under 19 may play or assist), location requirements (bingo must be on property owned or leased by the nonprofit), and various prohibitions and standards (no third-party contracting, no using another nonprofit’s name, equipment marking, prize caps at $10,000 per session, state-advertising rules with purpose disclosure, and required display of the bingo license). Violations would be treated as a Class A misdemeanor.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations operating or seeking to operate bingo in the City of Midfield; they would need to obtain licensing, follow city rules, and conduct games on their own premises.
• Residents and potential players in Midfield, including minors who are prohibited from playing or assisting (under 19) and adults who must follow advertising, prize, and operation rules established by the city.

Key Provisions

• Definitions: Bingo (the game with prizes based on numbers/symbols drawn), Equipment (draw items, master board, marking cards, etc.), and Nonprofit Organization (a tax-exempt or religious/educational group operating without profit for members).
• Bingo operation authorized for Midfield: Nonprofits may operate bingo in Midfield, with the Midfield City Council creating licensing rules and ensuring compliance with those rules.
• Prohibited activities: No contracts with outside entities to run bingo, no paying consulting fees for bingo services, and nonprofits may not lend their name or identity to others for bingo not directly operated by them.
• Equipment and advertising controls: Equipment must be clearly marked with at least half-inch tall lettering showing the nonprofit’s name; prizes cannot exceed $10,000 per session; advertising is limited to what the city allows and must disclose net proceeds用途.
• Facilities and operation: Bingo must be conducted on property owned or leased by the nonprofit; the city council will determine days/hours of operation by regulation.
• Enforcement: Violating these provisions would be a Class A misdemeanor.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Jefferson County