HB53 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy WoodRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Calhoun Co., bingo, authorizing games, not near residential area outside city limits, Amendment 508, Constitution of Alabama of 1901, (Section 1, Local Amendments, Calhoun Co., Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901), am'd., const. amend.

Summary

Calhoun County would be allowed to authorize bingo games by nonprofit groups under local rules, with a 1,000-yard limit from residences in unincorporated areas.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment legalizes bingo for prizes in Calhoun County under county and city regulations. It lets local governments issue permits, set operating rules, and enforce conditions such as age limits, nonprofit eligibility, premises ownership, prohibition on certain contracts, prize caps, and a 1,000-yard distance rule from residences in unincorporated areas.

Who It Affects

• Nonprofit organizations that run or want to run bingo in Calhoun County must meet eligibility and operating requirements (e.g., at least 12 months in existence, operate on owned/leased premises, adhere to rules on rentals and contracts, and comply with age and prize restrictions).
• Residents in unincorporated Calhoun County living near where bingo may be offered are protected by the 1,000-yard distance rule prohibiting bingo in areas near homes.

Key Provisions

• Bingo for prizes or money is authorized for certain nonprofit organizations in Calhoun County, subject to local rules and ordinances.
• Age: no one under 19 may play or assist in bingo unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Nonprofits must have been in existence for at least 12 months before obtaining a permit or license.
• Bingo must be conducted on premises owned or leased by the nonprofit; leased premises cannot base rent on a percentage of receipts or profits.
• No contracts for operating bingo by external entities; no consulting fees paid for bingo services.
• Nonprofits cannot use or lend their name to others for bingo they do not directly operate.
• Prizes are capped by law; a maximum weekly prize limit to be set by the Legislature.
• No one may charge more expenses than allowed by law for operating bingo.
• No bingo in unincorporated areas within 1,000 yards of a residence or in a residential area.
• Governing bodies can adopt rules and regulations for permits, and the amendment is self-executing with potential for additional laws.

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