SB435 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Hank Sanders

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Bingo, Charitable Bingo Licensure Commission, established, members, powers, duties, commission authorized to license and set licensure fees for bingo in counties with local constitutional amendments, termination of act under certain conditions

Summary

SB435 creates a state Charitable Bingo Licensure Commission to license and regulate charitable bingo in counties with local constitutional amendments and set licensure fees.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Charitable Bingo Licensure Commission, defines its powers and duties, and requires operators to obtain licenses and pay fees. The commission will review applications and equipment to ensure compliance with local amendments and state rules, and may deny, revoke, suspend, or limit licenses. Decisions are final, with appeals heard in Montgomery County circuit court. The bill also sets up funding from license fees, appoints an executive director and staff, exempts the commission from the Administrative Procedure Act for one year, and provides that the commission would dissolve if a statewide gaming commission is created.

Who It Affects

• Charitable bingo operators and organizations seeking to operate in Alabama counties with local constitutional amendments; they would need licensure, pay fees, and comply with inspections.
• Residents in communities where charitable bingo is allowed; they could be affected by how bingo operations are regulated and enforced.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Charitable Bingo Licensure Commission with six appointed members (Governor, Attorney General, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Chief Justice, and Presiding Officers of the Senate/House); members must be Alabama residents, not felons, not financially tied to bingo, not elected officials, and serve without pay but receive per diem and travel reimbursement.
• Gives the Commission authority to license bingo operators and set license fees to fund its operations.
• Requires applicants to be inspected for compliance with local constitutional amendments and to have equipment inspected for compliance with applicable rules and case law before licensing.
• Provides that the Commission can deny, revoke, suspend, or limit licenses; decisions are final and appeals go to the Montgomery County circuit court.
• Exempts the Commission from the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act for one year and states that the Commission will be dissolved if a statewide gaming commission is established.

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

Subjects

Charitable Bingo Licensure Commission