HB320 Alabama 2017 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Becky Nordgren
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2017
Title: Calhoun Co., bingo for charitable purposes, licensees prohibited from operating in a residential area, Amendment 508 (Section 1, Local Amendments, Calhoun County, Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended), am'd, const. amend.
Summary: HB320 would add a local prohibition in Calhoun County to stop bingo activities near homes by amending Amendment 508.
What This Bill Does
It proposes a local constitutional amendment to Calhoun County's Amendment 508 to ban bingo games within 1,000 yards of any residence or in a residential area. If adopted, local governing bodies could issue and regulate bingo permits or licenses under this rule and would be responsible for enforcing it. The amendment would maintain existing rules on who can run bingo, where it can be played, and prize limits, while adding the proximity restriction near homes.

Who It Affects
Bingo permittees and licensees operating in Calhoun County would be prohibited from operating within 1,000 yards of a residence or in residential areas.
Residents of Calhoun County would gain protection from bingo locations being near their homes.

Key Provisions
Prohibition: No bingo permittee or licensee may operate any bingo game within 1,000 yards of a residence or in a residential area.
Local governing bodies are authorized to issue permits or licenses and regulate bingo operations within their jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with the amendment.
Age restriction: No person under 19 may play bingo or assist in conducting a bingo game unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Eligibility: A nonprofit organization must have existed for at least 12 months before receiving a bingo permit or license.
Premises: Bingo must be operated only on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit; if leased, rent cannot be based on a percentage of bingo receipts.
Contract/agency rules: Nonprofits may not contract with outside individuals or entities to operate bingo or pay consulting fees for bingo-related services.
Use of nonprofit name: The nonprofit cannot allow its name or identity to be used by others to operate bingo not directly run by the nonprofit.
Prizes and expenses: Prizes must not exceed legislated limits, with weekly and session-based limits; expenses for operating bingo must follow the law.

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