RESOLUTION ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 73

By: Geren

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The Charitable Raffle Enabling Act authorizes a qualified nonprofit organization to conduct charitable raffles in which prizes other than money are offered or awarded, with all of the proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets being allocated for use for the organization's charitable purposes, but interested parties note that a number of states authorize charitable raffles that award to a raffle winner selected by random draw a cash prize of not more than 50 percent of the gross proceeds collected from the sale of raffle tickets. The parties contend that Texas needs to authorize these "50/50" charitable raffles so that a charitable foundation that is associated with a professional sports team can highlight its philanthropic activities, bring awareness to community needs, and encourage sports fans to contribute to worthy causes. H.J.R. 73 proposes a constitutional amendment relating to such a charitable raffle.  

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this resolution does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.J.R. 73 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to authorize the legislature by general law to permit a professional sports team charitable foundation to conduct charitable raffles under the terms and conditions imposed by general law. The resolution authorizes the law to authorize the charitable foundation to pay with the raffle proceeds reasonable advertising, promotional, and administrative expenses.   

ELECTION DATE

The constitutional amendment proposed by this joint resolution will be submitted to the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015.