MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Finance

By: Senator(s) Nunnelee

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-33-52, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS TO USE NET PROCEEDS DERIVED FROM BINGO GAMES TO PAY ADMINISTRATIVE PENALTIES IMPOSED BY ANY STATE AGENCY AGAINST THE ORGANIZATION; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 97-33-52, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

97-33-52. (1) A bingo game may be conducted only:

(a) When held for the benefit of a charitable organization that (i) is licensed pursuant to Section 97-33-55 or Section 97-33-59; (ii) is domiciled in the State of Mississippi; and

(b) When the game is held by active members of such organization.

(2) Except as may be otherwise provided in Sections 97-33-51 through 97-33-203, all net proceeds derived from a bingo game authorized by this section shall be expended only for the purposes for which the organization is created, and no net proceeds derived from a bingo game authorized by this section shall be distributed to a charity outside of the State of Mississippi without the approval of the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

(3) A charitable organization, in furtherance of its charitable purpose, may use net proceeds derived from a bingo game authorized by this section to pay administrative penalties imposed by any state agency against the organization.

(4) None of the proceeds of a bingo game authorized to be held under this section shall be used to purchase, construct or improve a building, hall or other facility solely for the purpose of conducting or operating a bingo game.

(5) Every organization which conducts bingo games shall report to the Mississippi Gaming Commission at such time, in such manner and on such forms as the commission prescribes. All records and reports so filed shall be public records and shall be available for inspection in accordance with the Mississippi Public Records Act of 1983.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.