SB478 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Priscilla Dunn

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

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

Summary

A proposed local constitutional amendment for the City of Midfield to allow nonprofit groups to operate bingo for charitable or educational purposes, under city rules and penalties.

What This Bill Does

If passed, it would authorize bingo games run by qualifying nonprofit organizations in Midfield and require the city to set licensing and operation rules. It establishes age limits (no players or operators under 19), requires bingo to occur on the nonprofit's premises, and sets rules on advertising, branding, and prize limits. Violations would be treated as a Class A misdemeanor, and the bill defines who can operate bingo and what counts as the equipment and game.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations in Midfield (religious, educational, service, senior, fraternal, or veterans groups, including tax-exempt groups) that want to operate bingo and must follow city licensing and regulatory rules.
• Residents and potential players in Midfield (especially those 19 and older who may participate) who are subject to age limits, location restrictions, prize caps, and advertising requirements; the general public may be affected by where and when bingo can be held.

Key Provisions

• Defines Bingo (the game with prizes based on numbers or symbols drawn randomly), Equipment (the draw setup and marking tools), and Nonprofit Organization (qualified, tax-exempt or three-year-established groups, including volunteer fire departments).
• Authorizes bingo to be operated by a nonprofit in the City of Midfield; the Midfield City Council will create licensing, permitting, and operation rules and enforce compliance.
• Imposes age and operation rules: no one under 19 may play or help operate; bingo must be on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit; the location must be specified in the nonprofit's application.
• Prohibits nonprofits from contracting with outside entities to run bingo, paying consulting fees, or lending their name or identity to others for bingo activities.
• Requires equipment to be clearly marked with the nonprofit’s name and limits prizes to $10,000 per session.
• Allows advertising only as approved by the city council, and requires net proceeds use to be stated in any allowed advertising.
• Requires the nonprofit to display its bingo license at the location of the game and allows the city council to set the days and hours of operation.
• Violations of 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