Area Votes: Gambling Approved for Nonprofits

State lawmakers ended one of their first sessions of 2012 by approving a bill that allows nonprofit organizations to use things such as raffles and prize drawings -- what the state calls “small games of chance” -- as a means of fundraising. The bill, approved in the Senate on Thursday, is an amendment of a 1988 law. The Senate also approved a bill that calls for all potential real estate appraisal management companies to be certified by a state board.

The House approved a bill dictating how much money in punitive damages can be sought from physicians and other medical providers.

Senate:

HB 169: Amending a 24-year-old bill, the Senate approved an act providing for the licensing of certain nonprofits to conduct games of chance, such as raffles, drawings and pull-tab cards, in a 44-6 vote on Wednesday.

• Yes: John Pippy (R-37)

HB 398: The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved this bill, which calls for property appraisal management companies to register with a state board and establishes the board’s powers and purview.

• Yes: John Pippy (R-37)

House of Representatives:

HB 1907: Approved by a 103-89 margin on Wednesday, this bill sets limits on how much money in punitive damages people can seek from health care professionals, including assisted living communities and long-term nursing facilities. If signed into law, punitive damages sought against such organizations could not exceed 200 percent of compensatory damages.

• Yes: Mark Mustio (R-44)
• No: Rob Matzie (D-16)