Texas Raffle Laws & Non-Profit Organizations

Status update: The governor has decided to not sign the bill at this time. There may be an opportunity for consideration during the October 2023 special session. Houston Safari Club has sent additional correspondence to the governor’s office in support of a change in the Texas raffle laws and requested that the topic be addressed during the October special session. Background: Non-profit organizations in Texas are currently not allowed to sell raffle tickets online. HSC has been involved in the effort to allow Texas-based non-profit organizations to market and sell raffle tickets online, for the past three Texas legislative sessions. A House bill was approved earlier this year. HSC provided testimony in favor of the bill before the Texas House Licensing & Administrative Procedures Committee in March. A Senate bill, mirroring the House bill language, is in process. If passed, these changes would allow for fundraising related to raffles on a greater scale. Reach out to your local Representative and let them know you support HB 2138 and your Senator, in support of SB 1582.

Hunter Safety, Archery Education & Wilderness Education Programs In Schools

Houston Safari Club joined thirty-nine other hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation organizations to express its displeasure that the U.S. Department of Education will no longer permit Elementary and Secondary Education Act grants to be used for hunter safety, archery education or wilderness education programs. The full body of the letter sent to the Secretary of Education is below:

Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization dedicated to legislative and policy initiatives that may affect the future of hunting. HSC supports initiatives that protect the tradition of hunting and hunters’ rights. We take an active role in efforts to effect policy, protocols, and legislation. Our mission is to protect the rights of hunters and the hunting heritage through advocacy, policy, and legislation. Houston Safari Club (HSC) is a non-profit organization, exempt from federal income tax, under section 501(c)(4) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. Payments to HSC are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. Please contact your tax advisor concerning deductibility of any payments as business deductions. HSC EIN: 76-0082197. HSC is an independent organization, is not affiliated with Safari Club International (SCI) or its affiliates and is not a chapter or affiliate of any other organization.