The bill, S.B. No. 2218, aims to regulate charitable bingo in Texas and introduces provisions for the establishment of a nonprofit corporation to promote and advertise charitable bingo. Key amendments include changes to Section 2001.407 of the Occupations Code, which now allows licensed distributors to receive bingo equipment or supplies from licensed authorized organizations under specific conditions, such as if the items are defective or not ordered. Additionally, the bill amends Section 2001.415 to permit licensed organizations and the newly formed nonprofit corporation to advertise bingo, including details about prizes offered.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a new Section 2001.4151, which outlines the formation and operational guidelines for the nonprofit corporation, including its ability to accept funds from licensed organizations and spend them on advertising and promotional activities related to charitable bingo. The bill also increases the maximum amount of operating capital that licensed organizations can retain in their bingo accounts from $50,000 to $75,000. Other provisions include adjustments to the prize fee structure and the remittance process for bingo prize fees collected by licensed organizations. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with specific provisions taking effect earlier on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Occupations Code 2001.407, Occupations Code 2001.415, Occupations Code 2001.451, Occupations Code 2001.502 (Occupations Code 2001)