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.

Donald Lawson, a father of two from Lapeer, recently claimed a $337 million Powerball prize from the Aug. 15 drawing.

The lump-sum, $224.6 million payment worked out to $158.7 million, after taxes.

The jackpot was the third largest in the game's history.