SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5389
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Passed Senate, March 14, 2007
Title: An act relating to importing a simulcast race of regional or national interest on horse race days.
Brief Description: Approving the importing of one simulcast race of regional or national interest on horse race days.
Sponsors: Senator Hewitt.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce, Research & Development: 1/29/07 [DP].
Passed Senate: 3/14/07, 40-8.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Clements, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Holmquist, Murray and Prentice.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: Simulcasting is the process of conducting wagering on a horse race that is
broadcast live on television from a race track. Imported simulcast signals are simulcast signals
that originate at racetracks outside the state. Class 1 racetracks are allowed to show simulcast
signals from, and conduct wagering on, imported simulcast signals.
In 2004, the Legislature passed ESSB 6481 which governed class 1 racing associations' authority
to participate in parimutuel wagering. ESSB 6481 inadvertently removed the authority for a
licensed racing association to import one simulcast race of regional or national interest on each
live race day.
The Horse Racing Commission (Commission) may license race meets that are nonprofit in nature,
of 10 days or less, and which have an average daily handle of $120,000 or less. A nonprofit
racing association is a person or entity licensed by the Commission to hold race meets that are
nonprofit in nature.
Summary of Bill: A nonprofit racing association may, with Commission approval, import one simulcast race of regional or national interest on each live race day.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This corrects an inadvertent error made in 2004. Previously, small tracks have been able to import one simulcast race of regional or national interest on each live race day. This language restores the previous language and limits it to nonprofit racing associations. It applies to two races during the calendar year: the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Bob Leichner, Washington Horse Racing Commission.