Tennessee House Bill HR0196

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/15/26
• Enrolled: 4/15/26
• Passed: 4/15/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to approve annual events by certain 501(c) organizations in accordance with the provisions of Article XI, Section 5 of the Constitution of Tennessee, and pursuant to the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law.

Impact

The implementation of HR0196 serves to facilitate the approval process for nonprofit organizations to conduct fundraising events legally. By defining the parameters under which events can be held, the bill aims to provide clarity and structure, benefiting the organizations that rely on these events for financial support. It assures that these annual activities align with state regulations, thereby promoting a more organized fundraising environment.

Summary

House Resolution 196 (HR0196) is a resolution aimed at approving annual events held by certain 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations in Tennessee. This resolution is in accordance with the provisions established in Article XI, Section 5 of the Tennessee Constitution and follows the Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law. It requires a two-thirds majority vote from both houses of the General Assembly to authorize such events, which include fundraising activities like raffles and reverse raffles.

Contention

While HR0196 appears to provide necessary permissions for fundraising events, there may be points of contention regarding the approval process itself. Critics might argue that the requirement for a two-thirds vote could hinder the flexibility non-profits have in organizing events, making it harder for smaller organizations to gain timely approvals for fundraising needs. There may also be concerns regarding the influence of political dynamics in the approval process, which might not reflect the interests of the community served by these nonprofit organizations.