The bill also establishes a Lottery Tribunal, which will be tasked with determining claims related to expired winning lottery tickets issued prior to the new law. This tribunal will operate under the authority of the Connecticut Lottery Corporation and will be responsible for reviewing claims up to the amount indicated on expired tickets. This institutional change aims to streamline the process for assessing claims and allow for faster resolutions rather than relying solely on court systems, thus improving accessibility for claimants.
Summary
SB00360, referred to as an Act Concerning Lottery Tickets, introduces significant changes to how expired lottery tickets are managed in Connecticut. The bill mandates that starting October 1, 2016, all lottery tickets must not have an expiration date, ensuring that players are no longer penalized for holding onto winning tickets beyond a previously set time limit. This change is aimed at enhancing the consumer experience and providing fairness to lottery players, allowing them to claim winnings irrespective of the ticket issuance date.
Conclusion
Overall, SB00360 reflects a significant shift in lottery policy in Connecticut, emphasizing player rights and the removal of arbitrary expiration dates. The establishment of the Lottery Tribunal could potentially increase the efficiency of the claims process, but such a change must be monitored to ensure it does not burden state resources disproportionately.
Contention
In discussions surrounding this bill, there have been some concerns regarding the oversight and decision-making authority granted to the Lottery Tribunal. Positions vary on whether this tribunal might adequately protect taxpayer interests while resolving claims. Additionally, while some view this as a positive enhancement of consumer rights, others argue that it could lead to fiscal implications for the state as more claims may be approved for payment.
An Act Allowing Hardship Waivers Of Interest Due From A Delinquent Lottery Sales Agent And Concerning Licensing Of Connecticut Lottery Corporation Employees.
An Act Concerning Consumer Credit, Certain Bank Real Estate Improvements, The Connecticut Uniform Securities Act, Shared Appreciation Agreements, Innovation Banks, The Community Bank And Community Credit Union Program And Technical Revisions To The Banking Statutes.