Legislative Analysis
Phone: (517) 373-8080
CHARITABLE GAMING: DEFINITION OF “OCCASION”
http://www.house.mi.gov/hfa
House Bill 5902 as introduced Analysis available at
Sponsor: Rep. John Chirkun http://www.legislature.mi.gov
Committee: Regulatory Reform
Complete to 8-31-20
SUMMARY:
House Bill 5902 would amend the Traxler-McCauley-Law-Bowman Bingo Act to revise the
definition, for purposes of the act, of the term occasion.
Currently, it means “a single day for which a license to conduct games is issued under this act.”
Under the bill, it would mean “the hours of the day for which a license is issued.”
MCL 432.103
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would increase charitable gaming revenues by an unknown amount due to the
estimated increase in authorized games. Prior to 2019 PA 159, the definition of occasion
mirrored the language proposed by HB 5902. The definitional change under 2019 PA 159
effectively reduced the number of daily games at authorized locations to one, thereby reducing
charitable gaming revenues. Due to reporting lags and closures caused by the COVID-19
pandemic, an estimate of the reduction of charitable gaming revenues due to this definitional
change cannot be determined with any accuracy.
After deducting Charitable Gaming Division expenses, net revenue is deposited in the state’s
general fund. The general fund transfer totaled $1.9 million in FY 2019.
Legislative Analyst: Susan Stutzky
Fiscal Analyst: Benjamin Gielczyk
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their
deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.
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Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 432.103