 February 07, 2007
Under current law only newspapers are allowed to advertise legal charitable raffles and lotteries. "While this bill levels the playing field for Alaska's broadcasters, the intent of this legislation is to assist not-for-profit organizations in their efforts to raise money to better serve our communities," Johansen said. Ketchikan's own Pennock Island Challenge for Diabetes ran afoul of the state law this past summer in an attempt to spread the word about their charitable event. Gretchen Klein, one of the organizers for the Pennock Island Challenge said, "This was a grass roots effort run by an all-volunteer force who only sought to make the public more aware of diabetes. KTKN really helped us out in this effort, and the fact that they could have gotten in serious trouble for assisting the American Diabetes Association was just devastating. We hope this legislation passes so nonprofit organizations and broadcasters can serve their communities without fearing legal troubles." Federal law provides for a state exemption in allowing advertising on TV and radio. "I want to make perfectly clear that this legislation does not in any way expand gaming or gambling. It simply allows charities to advertise their efforts more effectively. We need to help those who are in the business of helping others," Johansen added. HB 116 has been referred to the Labor & Commerce Committee and the State Affairs Committee.
Source of News:
Publish A Letter on SitNews Read Letters/Opinions
|
||
