House Bill 1406

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 97-33-52, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT 15% OF THE NET PROCEEDS OF A BINGO GAME THAT MUST BE EXPENDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE APPLICABLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION SHALL BE EXPENDED FOR THAT PURPOSE IN THE COUNTY IN WHICH THE GAME WAS CONDUCTED; 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 at least fifteen percent (15%) of the net proceeds shall be expended for that specific purpose in the county in which the bingo game was conducted. 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. Nothing in the Charitable Bingo Law shall prohibit a charitable organization from using gross receipts derived from a bingo game conducted under the Charitable Bingo Law to pay administrative penalties imposed by any state agency against the charitable organization.

(3) 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.

(4) 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 July 1, 2010.