SB318 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Garlan GudgerSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Jim McClendon

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Lottery, authorized, distribution of proceeds for postsecondary scholarships and mental health services in public schools, implementation by general law, const. amend.

Summary

SB318 would create an Alabama Lottery through a constitutional amendment and direct lottery proceeds to scholarships and mental health resources in public schools, with laws to implement it.

What This Bill Does

It would amend Section 65 of the Alabama Constitution to establish the Alabama Lottery and authorize ticket sales for instant and drawn-number games. Proceeds would first cover administration and prizes, then set aside $500,000 each year for compulsive gambling programs, with the remaining funds funding postsecondary scholarships and mental health resources in public schools. The Legislature would pass general laws to regulate and implement the lottery, and the plan would prohibit video lottery and casino-style online games while allowing reciprocal agreements with other states. Existing lawful activities would not be affected.

Who It Affects

• Lottery participants and retailers in Alabama who would buy and sell lottery tickets.
• Public school students (and families) and college-bound students who would benefit from scholarships and mental health resources funded by lottery proceeds.

Key Provisions

• Establishes an Alabama Lottery by amending Section 65 of the Constitution.
• Allocates lottery proceeds first to administration and prizes, then $500,000 per year to compulsive gambling programs, with the balance funding postsecondary scholarships and mental health resources in public schools.
• Allows sale of instant and non-instant lottery tickets, including paper and electronic formats, and requires laws to regulate the lottery and any reciprocal agreements with other states.
• Prohibits video lottery and casino-style online or interactive games.
• Requires the Legislature to pass general laws to implement the amendment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments