A proposal that would allow Georgia lottery winners to remain anonymous took an important step forward Monday.
The state Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill that allows any Georgian who wins more than $250,000 in a lottery to keep their name from being disclosed. The bill's proponents have said eight states have laws that allow winners partial or complete anonymity. The legislation now goes to the state House of Representatives.
The lawmakers who drafted Senate Bill 331 said the legislation is necessary to shield winners from people attempting scams to steal some or the entire prize.
"I think it protects our public and I think actually it may enhance the sale of lottery tickets when people know they will not be exposed and have their name put out before the public and make them the victim of a crime," Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, told fellow lawmakers about the bill Monday.
The bill's critics worry such a law would cloud transparency and raise questions about whether winners fairly won their prize.
"When you make lottery winnings secret, it opens the door to shenanigans," Georgia First Amendment Foundation president Richard Griffiths said in an interview. "The public has the right to know the lottery is open and transparent."
Griffiths said the foundation will urge House members to "think it through."
Lottery proceeds help fund the state's HOPE college scholarship program.
Senate lawmakers added an amendment that does not require winners to pay the state for costs associated with keeping their names private. The bill initially allows the state to collect up to four percent of the winnings for such costs. The bill's lead sponsor, Sen. Steve Henson, D-Stone Mountain, said Monday he believes such costs would be low.
Congratulations and Well done to the Georgia Senate. Now it is the Georgia House's turn.
These difficult decisions are what legislatures are paid to vote on.
They are listening to Lottery players and winners.
Music*, why are you up so early? Not that early really.
Like the idea the 4% levy or tax is out the window.
Just keep any Tipton away from the GA lottery, or any other lottery for that matter and there will be no 'shenanigans'.
"The early worm gets the bird". As said by the Undertaker in The Shootist staring John Wayne, Ron Howard, Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, and many other notables.
I agree that the 4% levy or tax is out the bill.
Have an excellent Security system in place to prevent these "shenanigans".
Will this law help the bottom line for Georgia's Lottery?
Good job GA Senators
. Way to look out for your players and winners. I like the $250K anonymity starting point, even better that the $1 Million mark we have in TX.
May have to spend a few $$ on my next trip through that state if the bill becomes law.
Wish they do this in NC should do it in all states .In these times there are a lot of jealous envious people and just mean people who rob and kill anbody and big lottery winners being exposed is jst putting a target on your back
Opponents who are violently opposed to this bill like Richard Griffiths are probably saying...
"The devil came down to the Georgian Senate "
I plan on moving and buying a new home in a land trust which is a very private way to hold real estate. I won't allow any pics at the Lottery and my name is fairly common anyways.
They need to do that everywhere, why the need to expose and put people in danger, doesn't that discourage new players. Who takes time to verify who won