Texas 2025 - 89th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB 2239

Voted on by Senate
 
Out of House Committee
 
Voted on by House
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to charitable raffles conducted by certain intercollegiate athletics teams; creating criminal offenses.

Impact

If passed, SB2239 would amend existing laws to allow for the sale of raffle tickets at athletic events, thereby creating new fundraising avenues for college sports teams. Teams would be permitted to conduct raffles during games, with restrictions ensuring ticket sales only happen on-site or through specific digital platforms, and only allowing sales to those physically present at the venue. The legislation is expected to enhance the financial capabilities of collegiate athletics programs and ensure that a portion of the proceeds is directed toward mental health initiatives.

Summary

SB2239, titled the Intercollegiate Athletics Team Charitable Raffle Enabling Act, seeks to authorize intercollegiate athletics teams in Texas to conduct charitable raffles. The bill establishes specific provisions that must be met for a team to qualify, including being associated with a Texas-based venue, existing for a minimum of three years, and being a federally recognized charitable organization. This legislation aims to assist these teams in generating revenue for charitable purposes, specifically for supporting other athletics teams and mental health services within their institutions.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding SB2239, particularly regarding concerns over gambling laws and the ethical implications of allowing college athletic programs, which typically do not permit direct gambling activities, to conduct raffles. Additionally, there are regulatory measures placed on the bill to maintain responsible oversight. For instance, individuals under 18 are prohibited from purchasing raffle tickets, and the bill includes criminal penalties for violations of raffle regulations. Discussions may emerge around the appropriateness of involving collegiate-level athletic teams in fundraising activities that resemble gambling.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

TX HB3308

Relating to charitable raffles conducted by the professional sports team charitable foundations of rodeo organizations sanctioned by certain professional associations or hosting a Professional Rodeo Event at rodeo venues.

TX HB476

Authorize online raffles under the Charitable Gaming Law

TX HB42

AN ACT relating to intercollegiate athletics in the Commonwealth.

TX SB2517

"MS Intercollegiate Athletics Compensation Rights Act" and "Uniform Athletes Agent Act"; bring forward.

TX SF0044

Fairness in sports-intercollegiate athletics.

TX HB1364

Increasing the gross revenue threshold for unlicensed bingo, raffles, and amusement games conducted by charitable or nonprofit organizations.

TX SB293

Revises provisions relating to intercollegiate athletics. (BDR 34-1088)

TX HB141

Revise laws relating to raffles conducted by certain nonprofit entities to allow credit cards

TX HB5373

To modify the process of holding charitable raffles

TX HB2167

Charitable gaming; conduct of athletic event drawings.

Similar Bills

VA SB1217

Higher educational institutions, baccalaureate public; intercollegiate athletics programs.

TN SB0536

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.

TN HB0194

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to education.

SC H4902

Intercollegiate Athletes' Compensation for Name, Image, or Likeness

TN HB1386

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to student athletes.

TN SB1419

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 29; Title 49, Chapter 7; Title 49, Chapter 8 and Title 49, Chapter 9, relative to student athletes.

US HB2688

Protecting Student Athletes’ Economic Freedom Act of 2025

LA HB168

Authorizes income tax deductions for income earned by an intercollegiate athlete and compensation paid by a taxpayer for use of an intercollegiate athlete's name, image, or likeness (OR DECREASE GF RV See Note)