11/20/2025

House Bill 476 Advances, Clarifying Fundraising Rules for Nonprofit Providers

The Ohio House of Representatives has advanced House Bill 476, a proposal that would allow nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, including senior living and aging services providers, to sell raffle tickets online. The legislation responds to recent enforcement actions by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which halted online raffles conducted by local nonprofits. While these actions primarily affected community groups such as volunteer fire departments and animal shelters, the statutory restrictions apply broadly to all nonprofit organizations. For LeadingAge Ohio members that rely on donor events, resident councils, or auxiliary groups to support programs, online raffles have become a practical fundraising tool. Representative David Thomas noted that many organizations had adopted digital platforms in good faith, only to encounter outdated statutes that did not reflect current practice.

By affirming that eligible nonprofits may conduct online raffles under clear requirements, House Bill 476 would provide a path forward for mission-driven aging services organizations that use small-scale fundraising to support resident activities, benevolent care, or community outreach. Representative Meredith Craig emphasized that the enforcement actions were not prompted by misconduct but by limitations in existing law, and she called the bill a necessary correction. The measure now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. LeadingAge Ohio will continue to monitor its progress and share updates as the Senate begins work on the bill.