COLUMBUS, Ohio - Multiple local fire officials testified in Columbus on Tuesday in support of legislation that would allow first responders and other entities to hold online raffles.

Calcutta Volunteer Fire Department Chief David McCoy, Calcutta Lieutenant Randy Schneider and Western Reserve Fire District Chief Chip Comstock, among others, testified in favor of House Bill 476. 

House Bill 476, introduced by State Representatives David Thomas and Meredith Craig, and co-sponsored by State Representative Monica Robb-Blasdel would allow Ohio first responders, schools and non-profits to hold online raffles.

According to a news release from Representative Thomas, several non-profits, including police and fire departments across Ohio have long relied on online raffles as a fundraising method.

However, the Ohio Attorney General's Office recently began sending these organizations cease-and-desist notices ordering them to stop. If passed, this legislation would allow that funding to resume.

In his testimony, Chief McCoy said the Calcutta Fire Department has relied on raffles like this because the department's budget has been strained due to cost increases.

In addition to equipment expenses like fire trucks, McCoy said the raffles help fund the department's national search and rescue K9 teams used when firefighters travel to help others in situations like natural disasters.

Chief Comstock testified that the Western Reserve Fire District won't need online raffles as long as property taxes remain in place, but the department has a non-profit firefighters' association that could still benefit from online raffles.

"We just did a gun raffle. It took us months to sell the number of tickets we needed to. We didn't go electronic because of the cease-and-desist orders that were out there. We know we could have done it easier with less stress on our members that would have given them the opportunity to focus on training and other things that actually provide fire protection and EMS services to our community," Comstock said.

Additionally, Representative Thomas is quoted in the release saying online raffles could be used as a way to provide property tax relief for residents.

"Money raised for those essential services that do not come from taxpayers' pockets is a win for everyone," Thomas said.

The legislation is currently in the Ohio House Committee.