Senate committee approves bill clarifying online advertising for charitable raffles

The Senate Insurance & Commerce committee approved SB 217 on a voice vote, moving to clarify how Arkansas law treats online advertising and the sale of charitable raffle tickets.

An unidentified sponsor told the committee the bill responds to a perceived contradiction in current law that "no raffle tickets shall be sold through the mail or through the Internet, email, fax, telephone, or any other electronic means in Arkansas." He said the language conflicted with everyday practice and gave a personal example: "my 12 year old child said, hey, dad... I'm selling raffle tickets at school," adding that he had told the child not to use Facebook, email or text to solicit sales.

The sponsor said he worked with the gaming industry to draw a distinction between advertising and selling. He told the committee the bill is intended to make clear that a charitable entity or an unpaid volunteer may advertise a raffle without violating state law.

When the sponsor invited questions and asked whether anyone wished to speak for or against the measure, no supporters or opponents appeared on the record. The chair then called for the will of the committee; a motion to pass was made and seconded by Senator Irvin. The committee approved SB 217 by voice vote. The transcript records the chair announcing, "Congratulations, senator. You passed your bill." No roll-call tally or mover name was recorded in the transcript.

Separately, Senator Irvin asked that Senate Bill 142 be placed on the committee's deferred list because it and several other bills were pending amendments; the chair agreed.

SB 217 now advances from committee; the transcript does not record the full committee vote count, the bill's next hearing date, or any amendment language.