New Hampshire Senate Bill SB119

New Hampshire 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/23
• Refer: 1/19/23
• Report Pass: 1/25/23
• Report Pass: 2/15/23
• Engrossed: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 4/27/23
• Enrolled: 5/31/23
• Chaptered: 6/8/23
• Passed: 6/8/23

Caption

Relative to criminal background checks for charitable games of chance license applicants.

Impact

If enacted, SB119 would specifically modify the existing regulation under RSA 287-D:12 concerning the licensing requirements for charitable gaming events. By allowing certain members of a charitable organization to bypass mandatory background checks, the bill could potentially foster increased participation in charitable events, assist with volunteer recruitment, and ultimately enhance fundraising efforts for various causes. However, it may also raise concerns regarding the safeguarding of participants in these events, as the exemptions could allow individuals with undisclosed criminal histories to engage in activities where financial oversight is critical.

Summary

Senate Bill 119 (SB119) seeks to modify the requirements surrounding criminal background checks for individuals associated with charitable games of chance. The main provision of the bill is to exempt members of charitable organizations from undergoing background and criminal record checks, provided they do not take an active role in operating said games. This legislative change is proposed with the intent of reducing the regulatory burden on organizations that conduct charitable events, allowing them to involve more community members without the bureaucratic barrier of background checks.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB119 may include discussions about the balance between facilitating charitable activities and ensuring public safety. Some legislators and advocacy groups may express concerns that exempting members from background checks could expose vulnerable participants or clients to risks, undermining the integrity of charitable game operations. Additionally, the potential fiscal impacts, such as an indeterminable decrease in revenue associated with the reduction of background check requests, have also been highlighted within the analysis of the bill.