An Act Concerning The Anonymous Collection Of Lottery Winnings.
Impact
The proposed bill will modify Section 12-810 of the general statutes, effectively limiting the information that is accessible under the Freedom of Information Act. If enacted, individuals who meet the specified criteria must request nondisclosure and consent to a deduction of ten percent from their lottery prize payment. The funds deducted will be allocated to the lottery fund, which may serve to benefit state resources or future lottery initiatives. This change reflects a growing concern for personal privacy in the context of significant financial gains.
Summary
House Bill 5308, titled 'An Act Concerning The Anonymous Collection Of Lottery Winnings', aims to amend existing statutes regarding the public disclosure of lottery winners in Connecticut. Specifically, the bill seeks to ensure that any individual who redeems a winning lottery ticket worth one million dollars or more has the option to keep their name and residential address confidential. This amendment is designed to protect the privacy of those who win significant lottery prizes, providing them with a sense of security against potential unwanted attention or solicitation from the public and media.
Contention
Nevertheless, the bill has sparked debate regarding the balance between public records and personal privacy. Supporters argue that the legislation is a necessary step to provide protection for high-stakes winners who may become targets for harassment or scams. Critics, however, may contend that such protections could lead to a lack of transparency in the state's lottery operations. They argue that the public has a vested interest in knowing who wins large sums and how those winnings are managed, potentially creating tensions between individual rights and community oversight.
An Act Allowing Hardship Waivers Of Interest Due From A Delinquent Lottery Sales Agent And Concerning Licensing Of Connecticut Lottery Corporation Employees.