HB736 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ronald Grantland

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Bill J. DukesJeremy OdenMicky Hammon

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Morgan Co., Hartselle, Falkville, and Decatur, bingo further defined, bingo permit holders authorized to advertise bingo sessions with municipal governing body approval, Act 96-648, 1996 Reg. Sess. am'd.

Summary

The bill updates Morgan County bingo rules by clarifying what counts as bingo and letting permit holders advertise with city approval, while adding stricter location, timing, prize, and age rules.

What This Bill Does

It amends Act 96-648 to redefine bingo and allow bingo permit holders to advertise sessions with approval from the local government. It sets rules on when and where bingo can be played: only at a single location, no more than one session per week, up to five hours per session, held Monday through Saturday with no sessions after 11:30 pm, and no bingo on Sundays or alcohol served. It also limits prizes to $3,500 per session and imposes age restrictions and equipment rules. It requires permit holders to display their license and to own or rent equipment at reasonable rates, and it takes effect immediately after passage.

Who It Affects

• Bingo permit holders (qualified organizations or clubs) operating under the permit: must follow new advertising rules, location constraints, schedule limits, prize cap, age and supervision requirements, and display license; equipment must be owned or reasonably rented.
• Residents and players in Morgan County (especially in Hartselle, Falkville, and Decatur): subject to new age restrictions, session timing, alcohol prohibition, and prize rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines bingo as a traditional 5x5 card game with numbers 1-75 and prohibits the use of electronic or remote equipment to operate the game.
• Allows bingo permit holders to advertise their sessions, but only with approval from the local municipal governing body.
• Limits bingo sessions to at most one session per calendar week, up to five hours total per session, held Monday through Saturday, with no sessions after 11:30 pm, and no bingo on Sundays with no alcohol served during sessions.
• Prizes may not exceed 3,500 dollars per session.
• Requires bingo to take place at a single location and for permit holders to clearly display their license at the location.
• Imposes age restrictions: no one under 19 may play or help conduct a bingo session.
• Requires equipment used for bingo to be owned or purchased or rented at a reasonable rate by the permit holder.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

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

Subjects

Morgan County