Report on the status of HB 2489

Title: An act relating to raffle ticket prices.
Brief Description: This bill would allow for the increase of  the maximum price of a raffle ticket from $25 to $100 and allows the Gambling Commission to raise the maximum above $100.

Sponsors: Rep. Moeller, Chase

Companion Bill: SB 6829

Passed the House on 2/7/08, 95-0.

On 2/11/08 the first reading took place in the Senate.  It was referred to the Labor, Commerce, Research and Development.

Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill will make it easier for nonprofit, faith-based, and charitable
organizations to raise funds and support their good work. The price has not been looked at in
over 10 years. Trying to raffle large items means hundreds of tickets have to be sold.
(Neutral) Arguments in favor are that receipts may go up and raffles may be more interesting.
Arguments against are that higher prices will expose the organization and purchasers to more
risk and accounting errors may increase.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Moeller, prime sponsor; and Julie Burger,
Congregation Kol Ami.
(Neutral) Amy Hunter, Washington State Gambling Commission.