Georgia House Backs Push To Keep Lottery Winners Anonymous
A sign advertises Powerball and Mega Millions lottery jackpots at a store in Atlanta.
David Goldman / Associated Press
Georgia lottery players who win big can stay anonymous under a proposal approved by the state House.
The House voted 173-1 on Monday in favor of the bill, which legislators say will help public safety.
The legislation says those who win at least $250,000 and submit a written request can prevent their name from being publicly released.
The measure easily passed the Senate last month. But before the bill goes to the governor, senators must approve minor wording changes.
Rep. Ron Stephens of Savannah says lottery winners can be targeted by criminals.
The measure has been criticized by open government advocacy groups, who say it is a bad idea to allow the government to hand out millions to private citizens without a public record.
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