Bill > S05201

This bill amends the New York State Tax Law to allow lottery winners who have lost their ticket to still claim their prize within one year of the drawing, provided they can provide documentary proof of purchase from the ticket seller. Currently, lottery prizes become invalid if not claimed within one year, but this new legislation creates an exception for individuals who can demonstrate they bought the winning ticket through documentation retained by the seller. The bill requires lottery ticket sellers to keep identifying information or proof of sale for at least one year after the drawing, which can be used as evidence for a lost ticket claim. When a person submits such documentary proof to the lottery commission within the one-year timeframe, the commission will be required to promptly pay the prize. This change provides a more flexible approach for lottery winners who might otherwise lose their winnings due to a lost or misplaced ticket, while still maintaining a reasonable time limit for claiming prizes.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5201