Lawmaker’s plan allows online raffles for fundraising events

In a time when they need it most, Michigan charities may get a new source of fundraising support under a measure spearheaded by State Rep. Eric Leutheuser.

The House Regulatory Reform Committee today approved Leutheuser’s plan to allow qualifying charitable organizations to conduct raffles online. Leutheuser said COVID-19 and associated executive orders have hurt the ability of charitable organizations to raise much-needed revenue for the causes they support.

“These charities are deeply ingrained in our communities and are needed now more than ever,” said Leutheuser, of Hillsdale. “COVID-19, along with governor’s stay-home executive order and the in-person sales requirement for raffles, have canceled and postponed charity events our local non-profits rely upon. Groups like this provide crucial support in our communities. We should help them ‘catch up’ from coronavirus so they can continue to help our neighbors.”

Under the plan, charitable organizations that held a license to conduct a raffle in 2018 or 2019 would have the ability to sell raffle tickets online through June 2023.

Leutheuser said his legislation was inspired by Domestic Harmony, a local domestic violence organization located in Hillsdale. Domestic Harmony was forced to postpone its annual “Duck Derby” fundraising event, citing the inability to conduct in-person sales due to COVID-19. Leutheuser said Domestic Harmony’s Duck Derby normally brings in roughly $35,000 each year. During 2019, qualified charitable organizations across Michigan raised over $61 million for their respective organizations. House Bill 5862 now moves to the House Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.