H.B. 2543 78(R) BILL ANALYSIS H.B. 2543 By: Bonnen Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee Report (Unamended) BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Under the Charitable Raffle Enabling Act, non-profit corporations are allowed to have raffles; however, the prize must be a non-cash prize. These organizations frequently engage in projects to raise money that is used for the good of the public. In order to assist them in attracting support of their raffles, these organizations should be given some allowance to offer limited cash prizes. This bill sets the maximum $250.00 value as it relates to money, including cash, a check, and other cash equivalents. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY It is the opinion of the committee that this bill does not expressly delegate any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency or institution. ANALYSIS Amends Sections 2002.056 (a) and (b) of the Occupations Code to allow that raffle prizes consisting of money, including cash, check or other cash equivalents may be offered or awarded but may not exceed $250. EFFECTIVE DATE Upon passage, or, if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003.