This bill proposes the addition of four new sections to the Code of West Virginia, specifically aimed at establishing instant lottery scratch-off games to generate funding for critical public services. The proposed games include a fire department instant lottery scratch-off game, an emergency medical services instant lottery scratch-off game, a schools instant lottery scratch-off game, and a roads instant lottery scratch-off game. Each game is set to begin on September 1, 2025, and all net profits from ticket sales will be directed to designated funds: the All County Fire Protection Fund, the Emergency Medical Services Equipment and Training Fund, the Innovation in Education Fund, and the State Road Fund, respectively.

The bill mandates that the West Virginia Lottery Commission regularly update the design or theme of each scratch-off game to maintain competitiveness with other offerings. Additionally, the tickets must clearly indicate that the proceeds will benefit the respective sectors they are intended to support, such as fire departments, emergency medical services, schools, and road infrastructure. This initiative aims to enhance funding for these essential services while engaging the public in a lottery format.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-22-9b, 29-22-9c, 29-22-9d, 29-22-9e