House Passes Bill to Modernize Nonprofit Fundraising in Ohio, Allow Online Raffle Sales

COLUMBUS—State Representatives David Thomas (R-Jefferson) and Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) today announced the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 476, legislation to modernize Ohio law to allow nonprofit and tax-exempt organizations, and schools to sell raffle tickets online. 

“This bill is about bringing Ohio’s laws in line with today’s reality,” said Rep. Thomas. “Nonprofits have been using online tools for years to connect with supporters, yet outdated statutes left many of them facing sudden cease-and-desist orders for simply trying to fundraise in ways people now expect. With HB 476, we are giving these organizations clarity, not confusion—and ensuring they can continue serving our communities without unnecessary barriers.”

House Bill 476 was introduced in response to enforcement actions taken over the past year by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, which halted online raffles conducted by local nonprofits, including volunteer fire departments. Current law restricts raffle ticket sales to in-person transactions, leaving many organizations unable to continue critical fundraising efforts that had already become essential to their operations.

“When my local fire and police departments, county dog shelter, and Habitat for Humanity are being told to shut down long-standing fundraising efforts, that’s a problem the legislature must fix,” said Rep. Craig. “These groups were never acting in bad faith—they were simply adapting to a digital world. HB 476 provides the clear, common-sense framework they need.”

House Bill 476 applies to nonprofits, tax-exempt organizations, and schools in good standing under Ohio law and retains all existing oversight requirements including being at least 18 years of age and a resident of Ohio.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration. It includes an emergency clause, ensuring immediate effect upon passage.