Ryan's Thoughts

Please Thank Governor Daniels for Supporting this Important Legislation

Today, Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law legislation that clarifies and simplifies the licensing and reporting process for charity gaming events, including “Friends of NRA” banquets.  Senate Bill 315 passed in the Senate unanimously and passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming, 76-19 vote.

This legislation, authored by state Senator Randy Head (R-18) and sponsored by state Representative Mark Messmer (R-63), will streamline the licensing and reporting process for charity gaming events, such as “Friends of NRA” banquets, by:

1. Establishing one comprehensive charity gaming license for national organizations and foundations for use by their local affiliates;
2. Removing the current six-to-nine week application process and requiring in its place a 21-day notification to the Indiana Gaming Commission prior to an event; and
3. Allowing qualified organizations and foundations to "police their own" by removing requirements to turn over volunteers' personal information to the Indiana Gaming Commission.

These policy changes will greatly improve the ability of “Friends of NRA” committees to comply with Indiana charitable gaming laws in a timely and less cumbersome fashion, while protecting the personal information of “Friends of NRA” volunteers.

As many NRA members well know, “Friends of NRA” banquets play a critical role in raising grant money to support education, safety, and training programs in communities across the Hoosier State, such as the Boy Scouts, 4H clubs, and local law enforcement groups. Unfortunately, some “Friends of NRA” chapters had difficulties holding banquets in 2011, which resulted in a net loss of approximately $100,000 in money that cannot be used for these Indiana groups.

The NRA appreciates Governor Mitch Daniels’ support of SB 315.  Please contact the Governor to thank him for signing SB 315 into law. You can e-mail the governor by clicking here.