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 Lottery Commission regularly update the design or theme of each scratch-off game to maintain competitiveness with other offerings. Additionally, it requires that the tickets clearly indicate the specific public service that will benefit from the profits generated by each game. This initiative aims to enhance funding for essential services such as fire departments, emergency medical services, education, and road maintenance, thereby addressing various community needs through the lottery system.

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