HB 351 Summary

• Establishes a statewide special election on November 1, 2012, to allow Mississippi voters to approve creation of a state lottery called the "Mississippi Lottery for Education."

• If approved by voters, creates a state lottery administered by the Mississippi Gaming Commission with proceeds allocated as: 45% for prizes, up to 0.5% for administrative costs, 4% to counties of origin, and remainder to the Mississippi Hope Scholarship Trust Fund.

• Establishes the Mississippi Hope Scholarship Trust Fund to provide tuition assistance to Mississippi students with a 3.0 GPA attending eligible in-state colleges and universities, administered by the Postsecondary Education Financial Assistance Board.

• Requires individuals and political committees making contributions or expenditures exceeding $200 related to the lottery proposition to file campaign finance reports with the Secretary of State.

• Amends existing gambling statutes to exclude the state lottery from prohibitions on illegal gambling and lotteries, and allows lottery tickets to be gifted to minors under age 18 if purchased by adults.