The bill amends Washington state laws to allow bona fide charitable or nonprofit organizations to conduct sweepstakes in addition to existing fundraising activities like bingo and raffles. Key changes include the insertion of the term "sweepstakes" into RCW 9.46.0311 and RCW 9.46.070, which govern the powers and duties of the overseeing commission. The bill also emphasizes that the commission cannot deny licenses based on race, sex, creed, color, or national origin, and it grants the commission the authority to temporarily issue or suspend licenses.

In addition to these amendments, the bill establishes specific conditions for conducting sweepstakes, such as prohibiting entry fees and ensuring equal odds of winning. It mandates clear disclosures about costs and rules, and it prohibits misleading practices, including misrepresentation of odds and failure to disclose prize values. The bill also requires that all solicitation materials prominently state that no purchase is necessary to enter or win, and it ensures that entries without donations are treated equally. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance transparency and fairness in the fundraising activities of charitable organizations while providing a clearer regulatory framework for sweepstakes operations.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 9.46.0311, 9.46.070