SB34 Alabama 2016 1st Special Session Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rodger SmithermanSenator

Democrat

Session

First Special Session 2016

Title

Lotteries, authorized, Alabama Lottery Commission, established, const. amend.

Summary

SB34 would amend the Alabama Constitution to authorize a state-run Alabama Lottery, create a Lottery Commission to operate it, and dedicate lottery proceeds to the General Fund after paying for expenses and prizes, with implementing laws required.

What This Bill Does

If passed, Part I would keep the general prohibition on lotteries, but Part II would authorize a new Alabama State Lottery limited to ticket sales. Proceeds, after paying administration costs and prizes, would go to the State General Fund for ordinary government expenses and debt payments. A seven-member Alabama State Lottery Commission would be created to administer and regulate the lottery, with members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate; the Legislature would pass implementing laws to carry out the amendment. The measure allows reciprocal agreements with other jurisdictions and clarifies that no other activities beyond the Alabama Lottery would be authorized, with implementing legislation needed to detail operation and regulation.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents who may purchase lottery tickets and participate in the lottery system (potential source of state revenue and consumer activity).
• State government, including the General Fund and the departments of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, which would receive the lottery proceeds after expenses and prizes.
• The Alabama State Lottery Commission (7 members) and the Governor who appoints them (with Senate confirmation), who would administer and regulate the lottery.
• Other jurisdictions, as the Lottery Commission may enter into reciprocal agreements related to operation and promotion of the lottery.

Key Provisions

• Authorization of an Alabama State Lottery restricted to ticket sales, with a new Alabama State Lottery Commission to administer and regulate it.
• Lottery proceeds, after paying for administration and prizes, go to the State General Fund for ordinary government expenses and debt service; implementing legislation required to govern operations.
• The Legislature must pass implementing laws to establish administration, operation, and regulation of the lottery and to define the duties of the Lottery Commission.
• Existing prohibitions on lotteries remain in Part I, but Part II authorizes the Alabama Lottery; the measure allows reciprocal agreements and clarifies no other activities beyond the lottery.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments