The bill amends the McCauley-Traxler-Law-Bowman-McNeely lottery act, specifically section 25, to clarify the options available to prizewinners in the Michigan lotto game. It mandates that prizewinners must be given the choice to receive their winnings either as a single payment or in installments at the point of purchase. Additionally, the bill updates language regarding the discharge of liability for the commissioner upon payment of a prize and specifies that payments can be made under a properly issued court order. It also revises the provisions for prize payments to the estate of a deceased prizewinner, ensuring that remaining payments are distributed to the surviving spouse and living children, or to the estate if no beneficiaries are designated.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new requirements for voluntary assignments of prize payments, including the necessity for a sworn affidavit from the assignor and a court order approving the assignment. It emphasizes that soliciting or offering rights to lottery prize payments will not be considered selling lottery tickets. The bill also enhances the confidentiality of prizewinner information, stating that personal details will not be disclosed without the winner's written consent, and establishes that such information is exempt from the Freedom of Information Act. Lastly, it includes provisions for compliance with federal rulings regarding the tax treatment of voluntary assignments.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 432.25
As Passed by the House: 432.25