HB243 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Donna GivensRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Baldwin County, proposed local constitutional amendment to authorize and regulate certain charitable raffles, traditional paper bingo, and similar charitable games in the county.

Summary

HB243 would amend the Alabama Constitution to let Baldwin County authorize and regulate charitable raffles, traditional paper bingo, and similar charitable games within the county.

What This Bill Does

It creates a permit-based framework allowing Baldwin County to authorize charitable games for fundraising and requires the county to adopt regulations and fee structures for those permits. It defines key terms (such as charitable game, charitable organization, traditional bingo, and traditional raffle) and sets rules to limit how these games operate (requires in-state ticket sales, prohibits casino-style or networked devices, and restricts compensation to fair market value with proceeds going to charity). It must be approved by voters in a county election to become part of the Alabama Constitution.

Who It Affects

• Charitable organizations in Baldwin County (and county municipalities) that want to conduct charitable raffles, traditional paper bingo, or similar games; they would need to apply for a charity fundraising permit and follow county rules.
• Baldwin County government and its governing bodies (e.g., the County Commission), which would regulate, issue permits, set permit fees, and enforce reporting and compliance.
• Residents and participants of Baldwin County (and others physically located in Alabama at the time of ticket purchase), who would be limited to purchasing tickets only while physically located in the state.

Key Provisions

• Defines terms: casino-style game, charitable game, charitable organization, house banked game, traditional bingo, and traditional raffle.
• Allows a charitable organization to obtain a charity fundraising permit from the Baldwin County Commission for the duration of a single fundraising event, with regulations and a permit fee established by the county.
• Authorizes the county to regulate conduct, operation, and reporting of permitted charitable gaming activities and to enforce compliance with adopted rules.
• Charitable games may only be operated within Alabama, may not use video lottery terminals or electronically networked devices that perform all lottery functions, and ticket sales must occur only to individuals physically located in the state at purchase.
• Prohibits gifts of compensation beyond the actual fair market value of prizes or supplies, and prohibits extra compensation to regular employees of the charity for organizing or operating the game.
• Sets eligibility for charitable organizations (exclusively charitable purposes or school-affiliated groups, with net proceeds not inuring to private individuals).
• Constitutional process: the amendment must be approved by voters in a statewide or local election to become part of the Constitution.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Baldwin County