MILITARY UNITS:  ALLOW TO HOLD RAFFLES

House Bill 4594

Sponsor:  Rep. Tory Rocca

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 9-10-07

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4594 AS INTRODUCED 4-12-07

The bill would amend the Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman Bingo Act to allow, under certain circumstances, active Michigan National Guard and military units to hold small and large raffles for the purpose of raising funds to be used for training and/or purchasing goods for the support of unit members.

Under the bingo act, a qualified organization, primarily service organizations and other non-profit organizations, may hold various types of gaming to raise money for operational expenses and to support charitable activities and services.

The bill would revise the definition of "qualified organization" to include a component of the military or the Michigan National Guard (as defined in the Michigan Military Act) whose members are in active service or active state service, but only for the purpose of conducting a small raffle or a large raffle.  Net proceeds, after deducting allowable expenses, could only be used for the expense of training or purchasing goods for the support of members of the component.

(The Michigan Military Act defines "military" to mean "a reference to all components of the state military establishment," and "Michigan National Guard" to mean the "Army National Guard and the Air National Guard.")

MCL 432.102, 432.103, and 432.109)

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no fiscal impact on state or local units of government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Susan Stutzky

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Jan Wisniewski

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.