Senate Bill No. 181, introduced by Senator Foil, amends existing laws regarding charitable gaming in Louisiana to allow nonprofit healthcare organizations to hold and operate games of chance without the need for a state license. The bill defines "nonprofit healthcare organization" as any entity providing healthcare services, along with its parent organizations, affiliates, subsidiaries, and foundations, that is licensed or chartered in Louisiana and exempt from federal and state taxation. This new definition is added to the existing provisions that govern the licensing of organizations conducting charitable raffles, bingo, and keno.

Under the proposed law, nonprofit healthcare organizations will not be required to obtain a license to conduct games of chance, but they must notify the office of charitable gaming annually about the names of the organizations involved. This change aims to simplify the process for these organizations while ensuring that they remain accountable to the state. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB181 Original: 4:707(E)(5)