HB738 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joseph C. Mitchell

Democrat

Co-Sponsor

James O. Gordon

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Mobile Co., bingo authorized by nonprofit organizations for charitable and education purposes, regulated by sheriff, penalties, Amendment 440 (Section 1, Mobile County, Local Amendments, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), repealed, const. amend.

Summary

HB738 would allow Mobile County to legalize bingo operated by nonprofit groups for charity or education, under sheriff regulation, and repeal the current bingo authorization in Amendment 440.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill would enable nonprofit organizations in Mobile County to operate bingo for charitable, educational, or other lawful purposes. The sheriff would establish licensing rules and oversee operation and compliance. It imposes age limits (no one under 19), requires bingo to be on the nonprofit's own premises, and bans outside contracts, consultant payments, or using another group's name in bingo. It also sets prize limits, advertising rules, license display requirements, sheriff-set operation times, and treats violations as Class A misdemeanors, while repealing Amendment 440.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations in Mobile County that are bona fide religious, educational, service, or similar groups (including volunteer fire or rescue groups) that could operate bingo under the new rules.
• Mobile County residents who may participate in bingo (players must be 19 or older and participate only at authorized nonprofit premises), as well as residents who live near or interact with these charitable bingo activities.

Key Provisions

• Allows bingo for prizes or money to be operated by a nonprofit organization in Mobile County, with Amendment 440 repealed.
• The sheriff shall create rules for licensing, permitting, operation, and oversight of bingo within the county.
• Bingo players and operators must be at least 19 years old; under-19 participation or involvement is prohibited.
• Bingo must be conducted on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit organization and specified in its application.
• Nonprofits may not enter contracts with external parties to operate or conduct bingo, and may not pay consulting fees related to bingo.
• A nonprofit cannot lend its name or identity to others for bingo activities not directly operated by the nonprofit.
• All equipment must be clearly marked with the nonprofit’s name and standard labeling requirements; no cross-use of equipment between nonprofits.
• Prizes may not exceed $10,000 in cash or equivalent value per bingo session.
• Advertising bingo is limited to rules set by the sheriff; if allowed, ads must state how net proceeds will be used by the nonprofit.
• The nonprofit must display its bingo license at the bingo location.
• The sheriff will determine operating days and hours for bingo.
• Violations of these provisions are Class A misdemeanors under general law.

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

Subjects

Mobile County