LANSING (AP) -- Michigan's multistate lottery winners could remain anonymous under a measure approved by the state Senate.
The Senate passed the legislation Tuesday by a 35-2 vote. It goes to the House.
The bill would prohibit the disclosure unless the winner agrees to it in writing. Michigan Lottery officials are authorized to disclose a multistate game winner's identity.
Supporters say winners should be allowed keep their privacy. Lottery officials say few states require anonymity and identifying winners is important to show people win prizes.
The Senate Fiscal Agency says the legislation if enacted into law would likely decrease media coverage and the promotional impact of prizes. That would indirectly reduce contributions to the School Aid Fund.
The lottery contributed more than $727 million to the fund during the last fiscal year.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
