Tennessee House Bill HJR0794

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/26
• Refer: 1/21/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to propose an amendment to Article XI, Section 5 of the Constitution of Tennessee, to allow for bingo events to benefit certain organizations.

Impact

If passed, HJR0794 would significantly affect the legal framework surrounding charitable gaming in Tennessee. By permitting bingo events under specified conditions, the amendment encourages fundraising efforts by nonprofits and veterans' organizations. Such activities are anticipated to bolster financial support for various community services, thereby enhancing the social fabric of local communities. It opens new revenue channels for these organizations while ensuring that the conduct of these events remains regulated by state law, thereby providing a level of oversight.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 794 (HJR0794) proposes an amendment to Article XI, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution. This amendment aims to allow tax-exempt organizations, specifically 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19), to conduct bingo games for charitable, nonprofit, or community service purposes. The resolution defines bingo as a game of chance utilizing either an electronic or manual playing surface with designated spaces and prizes awarded based on preannounced configurations selected at random. The bill emphasizes that the implementation of such bingo events will be uniform across the state as determined by the legislature through general law.

Contention

The resolution does not appear to have significant public contention within the provided documents, but considerations could arise regarding the regulatory framework and the implications for local communities. Opponents may argue about potential gambling-related issues, concerns regarding the uniformity of regulations, and the effectiveness of oversight. The bill’s success will depend on legislative support and public opinion concerning the practice of bingo by nonprofit entities and its perceived impacts on community engagement.