WSR 09-02-028

PROPOSED RULES

HORSE RACING COMMISSION


[ Filed December 30, 2008, 3:29 p.m. ]

     Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 08-20-045.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: WAC 260-84-060 Penalty matrixes and 260-84-065 Licensees -- Drug and alcohol penalties.

     Hearing Location(s): Auburn City Council Chambers, 25 West Main, Auburn, WA 98002, on February 12, 2009, at 9:30 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: February 12, 2009.

     Submit Written Comments to: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, e-mail rlopez@whrc.state.wa.us, fax (360) 459-6461, by February 9, 2009.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Patty Sorby by February 9, 2009, TTY (360) 459-6462.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Several of the penalties listed in the agency's penalty matrixes (WAC 260-84-060) are being updated. In addition, the penalties for human drug and alcohol violations (WAC 260-84-065) are being amended to address changes being proposed to WAC 260-34-020, alcohol concentration levels for persons on horseback.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: WAC 260-84-060, several of the violations and corresponding penalties in this section are being updated to address: (1) Discrepancies discovered; (2) fines that need to be adjusted; and (3) the authority of the executive secretary.

     WAC 260-84-065, a new subsection (10) is being added to address changes being contemplated in WAC 260-34-020 Drug and alcohol violations.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 67.16.020.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: Washington horse racing commission, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting: Robert J. Lopez, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, (360) 459-6462; Implementation and Enforcement: Robert M. Leichner, 6326 Martin Way, Suite 209, Olympia, WA 98516-5578, (360) 459-6462.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. Not applicable.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not applicable.

December 30, 2008

R. J. Lopez

Deputy Secretary

OTS-2022.4


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 08-05-086, filed 2/15/08, effective 3/17/08)

WAC 260-84-060   Penalty matrixes.   (1) The imposition of reprimands, fines and suspensions will be based on the following penalty matrixes:


Class A and B Licensed Facilities
1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense or subsequent offense
Disturbing the peace WAC 260-80-140 Warning to $200 and/or suspension Warning to $500 and/or suspension Suspension
Person performing duties for which they are not licensed WAC 260-36-010 $100 $200 $300
Unlicensed or improperly licensed personnel WAC 260-28-230, 260-36-150, and 260-28-295 $100 $200 $300
Violation of any claiming rule in chapter 260-60 WAC $200 to $500 plus possible suspension
Failure of jockey agent to honor riding engagements (call) WAC 260-32-400 $75 $100 $200
Failure of jockey to report correct weight WAC 260-32-150 $100 $200 $300
Failure of jockey to appear for films WAC 260-24-510 $50 $100 $200
Failure of jockey to fulfill riding engagement WAC 260-32-080 $100 $150 $200
Jockey easing mount without cause WAC 260-52-040 $250 and/or suspension $500 and/or suspension $1000 and/or suspension
Jockey failing to maintain straight course or careless riding with no disqualification (jockey at fault) WAC 260-52-040 Warning to $750 and/or suspension (riding days)
Jockey failing to maintain straight course or careless riding resulting in a disqualification (jockey at fault) WAC 260-52-040 Suspension (riding days) and possible fine
((Jockey's)) Rider's misuse of whip WAC 260-52-040 Warning to $2500
Entering ineligible horse or unauthorized late scratch chapter 260-40 WAC ((260-40-140)) and WAC 260-80-030 (($250)) $200 (($500)) $200 to $300 (($1000)) $200 to $500
((Unauthorized late scratch (WAC 260-40-010) $200 $300 $400))
Arriving late to the paddock or receiving barn WAC 260-28-200 Warning to $50 $50 to $100 $100 to $200
Failure to deliver furosemide treatment form to official veterinarian by appointed time WAC 260-70-650 Warning to $50 $50 to $100 $100 to $200
((Failure to have registration papers on file - resulting in a scratch WAC 260-40-090 $200 $300 $400))
Failure to obtain permission for equipment changes WAC 260-44-010 $50 $100 $200
Failure to report performance records WAC 260-40-100 Warning to $50 $100 $150
Failure to submit gelding report WAC 260-28-295 $100 $200 $300
((Insufficient workouts - resulting in scratch WAC 260-40-100 $200 $300 $400))

Class C Licensed Facilities
1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense or subsequent offense
Disturbing the peace WAC 260-80-140 Warning to $100 and/or suspension $250 and/or suspension Suspension
Person performing duties for which they are not licensed WAC 260-36-010 $50 $100 $150
Unlicensed or improperly licensed personnel WAC 260-28-230, 260-36-150, and 260-28-295 $50 $100 $200
Violation of any claiming rule in chapter 260-60 WAC $100 to $250 plus possible suspension
Failure of jockey agent to honor riding engagements (call)(( - agents)) WAC 260-32-400 $25 $50 $100
((Reporting incorrect )) Failure of jockey to report correct weight(( - jockeys)) WAC 260-32-150 $25 $50 $100
Failure of jockey to appear for films(( - jockeys)) WAC 260-24-510 $25 $50 $100
Failure of jockey to fulfill riding engagement WAC 260-32-080 $50 $100 $200
Jockey easing mount without cause WAC 260-52-040 $100 $200 and/or suspension $400 and/or suspension
Jockey failing to maintain straight course or careless riding with no disqualification (jockey at fault) WAC 260-52-040 Warning to $750 and/or suspension (riding days)
Jockey failing to maintain straight course or careless riding resulting in a disqualification (jockey at fault) WAC 260-52-040 Suspension (riding days) and possible fine
((Jockey's)) Rider's misuse of whip WAC 260-52-040 Warning to $2500
Entering ineligible horse or unauthorized late scratch chapter 260-40 WAC ((260-40-140)) and WAC 260-80-030 $100 $100 to $200 $200 to $300
((Unauthorized late scratch WAC 260-40-010 $100 $200 $300))
Arriving late to the paddock WAC 260-28-200 Warning to $25 $50 $100
Failure to deliver furosemide treatment form to official veterinarian by appointed time WAC 260-70-650 Warning to $25 $50 $100
((Failure to have registration papers on file - resulting in a scratch WAC 260-40-090 $50 $100 $100))
Failure to obtain permission for equipment change WAC 260-44-010 $25 $50 $100
Failure to report performance records WAC 260-40-100 Warning to $25 $50 $100
Failure to submit gelding report WAC 260-28-295 $50 $100 $200
((Failure to obtain permission for equipment changes WAC 260-44-010 $25 $50 $100))

Class A, B and C Licensed Facilities
1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense or subsequent offense
Smoking in restricted areas WAC 260-20-030 $50 $100 $250 and/or suspension
Tampering with a fire protection, prevention or suppression system or device WAC 260-20-030 $200 $500 $1000 and/or suspension
Failure to post problem gambling signs WAC 260-12-250 Warning to $50 $100 $200
Issuing a check to the commission with not sufficient funds WAC 260-28-030 $50 $100 $200
Failure to ((follow instructions of the outrider)) ride in a safe or prudent manner WAC ((260-24-690)) 260-80-145 $50 $100 $200
Use of improper, profane, or indecent language WAC 260-80-130 Warning to $200 $200 to $300 $300 to $500
Failure to complete ((provisional)) temporary license application within fourteen days WAC 260-36-200 $100 and suspension of license $250 and suspension of license $500 and suspension of license
Failure to register employees with the commission (trainers responsibility) WAC 260-28-230 Warning to $50 $100 $200
Failure to furnish fingerprints WAC 260-36-100 $100 and suspension of license $250 and suspension of license $500 and suspension of license
Nonparticipation - licensing WAC 260-36-080 License canceled
False application WAC ((260-36-100 and 260-36-120)) 260-36-050 $50 to $250 and/or possible denial, suspension or revocation of license
Failure to divulge a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor WAC ((260-36-120)) 260-36-050 Warning to $100
Failure to divulge a felony WAC ((260-36-120)) 260-36-050 $100 to $250 and/or denial, suspension, or revocation of license
Failure to provide full disclosure, refusal to respond to questions, or responding falsely to stewards or commission investigators WAC 260-24-510 $500 fine and/or denial, suspension or revocation of license
Failure to pay proper industrial insurance premium(s) ((chapter 260-220)) WAC 260-36-220 and ((WAC)) 260-36-230 In addition to being required to pay the full industrial insurance premium, the trainer will be assessed a fine equal to fifty percent of the premium due
Failure to pay L&I payment agreement ((WAC 260-28-235)) (per contract) Immediate suspension until premium paid and $50 fine for each quarter payment is late
((Unlicensed person on the backside WAC 260-20-040 Report violation to the racing association))
Financial responsibility WAC 260-28-030 Resolution with mutual agreement between the parties - failure to comply with the agreement will result in immediate suspension
Failure to appear for a ruling conference WAC 260-24-510 Suspension (conference may be held in individual's absence)
Failure to pay fine within 7 days of ruling conference (no extension granted or no request for hearing filed) WAC 260-24-510 Suspension until fine paid
Possession or use of a stimulating device (may include batteries) WAC 260-52-040 and 260-80-100 Immediate ejection from the grounds, 1 year suspension ((plus)), and mandatory referral to commission for revocation
Offering or accepting a bribe in an attempt to influence the outcome of a race WAC 260-80-010 Immediate ejection from the grounds, 1 year suspension ((plus)), and mandatory referral to commission for revocation
Failure to wear proper safety equipment WAC 260-12-180 and 260-32-105 $50 $100 $200
Horses shod with improper toe grabs WAC 260-44-150 Horse scratched and $250 fine to trainer and plater Horse scratched and $500 fine to trainer and plater Horse scratched and $1000 fine to trainer and plater
Failure to display or possess license badge when in restricted area WAC 260-36-110 $25 $50 $100

     (2) In determining whether an offense is a first, second, third or subsequent offense, the commission, or designee will include violations which occurred in Washington as well as any other recognized racing jurisdiction. If a penalty is not listed under second or third/subsequent offense columns, the penalty listed in the "first offense" column will apply to each violation.

     (3) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, for any other violation not specifically listed above, the stewards have discretion to impose the penalties as provided in WAC 260-24-510 (3)(a). For violations considered minor, the fine can be up to $500 and/or suspension for up to sixty days. Fines for violations considered major can be up to $2,500 and/or suspension up to one year, or revocation.

     (4) Circumstances which may be considered for the purpose of mitigation or aggravation of any penalty will include, but are not limited to, the following:

     (a) The past record of the licensee or applicant;

     (b) The impact of the offense on the integrity of the parimutuel industry;

     (c) The danger to human and/or equine safety;

     (d) The number of prior violations of these rules of racing or violations of racing rules in other jurisdictions; and/or

     (e) The deterrent effect of the penalty imposed.

     (5) For violations covered by chapter 260-70 WAC, Medication, the stewards will follow the penalty guidelines as set forth in WAC 260-84-090, 260-84-100, 260-84-110, 260-84-120, and 260-84-130.

     (6) The executive secretary or stewards may refer any matter to the commission and may include recommendations for disposition. The absence of a ((stewards')) referral will not preclude commission action in any matter. ((A)) An executive secretary's or stewards' ruling will not prevent the commission from imposing a more severe penalty.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020 and 67.16.040. 08-05-086, § 260-84-060, filed 2/15/08, effective 3/17/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020. 07-03-066, § 260-84-060, filed 1/16/07, effective 2/16/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020 and 67.16.040. 06-07-058, § 260-84-060, filed 3/10/06, effective 4/10/06; 05-07-064, § 260-84-060, filed 3/11/05, effective 4/11/05. Rules of racing, § 381, filed 4/21/61.]


AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-03-066, filed 1/16/07, effective 2/16/07)

WAC 260-84-065   Licensees -- Drug and alcohol penalties.   (1) Engaging in the illegal sale or distribution of alcohol in violation of WAC 260-34-020(2).

     (a) First offense - thirty-day suspension; and

     (b) Second or subsequent offense - one-year suspension and referral to the commission for revocation.

     (2) Possessing any equipment, products or materials of any kind, which are used or intended for use in injecting, ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body an illegal controlled substance, other than marijuana in violation of WAC 260-34-020(5); or possessing or having within their body while on the grounds of a licensed race meet any illegal controlled substance, in violation of WAC 260-34-020 (1) or (4).

     (a) First offense - thirty-day suspension; and

     (b) Second offense - one-year suspension and referral to the commission for revocation.

     (3) Possessing any equipment, products or materials of any kind, which are used or intended for use in ingesting, inhaling or otherwise introducing into the human body marijuana, in violation of WAC 260-34-020(5); or possessing or having within their body marijuana, an illegal controlled substance, while on the grounds of any licensed race meet, in violation of WAC 260-34-020(1).

     (a) First offense - three-day suspension;

     (b) Second offense - thirty-day suspension; and

     (c) Third or subsequent offenses - one-year suspension and referral to commission for revocation.

     (4) Being under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor and/or drugs in violation of WAC 260-34-020(1), excluding persons on horseback.

     (a) First offense - warning to one-day suspension;

     (b) Second offense - three-day suspension;

     (c) Third offense - thirty-day suspension; and

     (d) Subsequent offenses - one-year suspension and referral to commission for revocation.

     (5) Being under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor and/or drugs, and being on horseback in violation of WAC 260-34-020(1).

     (a) First offense - warning to three-day suspension;

     (b) Second offense - up to a thirty-day suspension; and

     (c) Third offense - up to a one-year suspension and referral to commission for revocation.

     (6) Refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test, in violation of WAC 260-34-020(6) will result in a penalty of a one-year suspension plus referral to the commission for revocation.

     (((6))) (7) Possessing any equipment or material used to manufacture or distribute any controlled substance, or engaging in the sale, manufacturing or distribution of any illegal controlled substance or possessing an illegal controlled substance with intent to deliver on the grounds of any licensed race meet in violation of WAC 260-34-020 (3) or (5), immediate ejection from the grounds, a one-year suspension plus referral to the commission for revocation.

     (((7))) (8)(a) For violations of WAC 260-34-020 (1) and (4), the board of stewards may stay a suspension if the licensee or applicant shows proof of participation in a drug rehabilitation or alcohol treatment program approved or certified by the department of social and health services. Individuals will only be allowed a stay of a suspension under this subsection once in a five-year period. If during the period of the stay a licensee or applicant violates the provisions of chapter 260-34 WAC, the violation for which the stay of suspension was entered will be considered as a prior violation for penalty purposes. Before being granted a stay of the suspension, the licensee or applicant must also agree to comply with the following conditions during the duration of the treatment program:

     (i) Remain in compliance with the rehabilitation and/or treatment program.

     (ii) Submit to random drug or alcohol testing at the discretion of the board of stewards or commission security investigators.

     (iii) Have no violations of chapter 260-34 WAC.

     Upon completion of the rehabilitation or treatment program, the licensee or applicant must provide documentation of completion to the board of stewards. Upon making a determination that the licensee or applicant successfully completed the rehabilitation or treatment program, the board of stewards may direct that the final disposition of the violation will be that the licensee or applicant completed a treatment program in lieu of suspension.

     (b) If the board of stewards, after a conference, finds that the licensee or applicant failed to comply with the conditions required in (a)(iii) of this subsection, the board of stewards has discretion to impose the original suspension authorized by this rule. If the failure to comply with the conditions of the stay is a violation of chapter 260-34 WAC, the board of stewards may also hold a ruling conference for that rule violation and impose such penalty as is provided for that violation.

     (((8))) (9) Any licensee or applicant who tests positive (presumptive or confirmatory) for the presence of an illegal controlled substance is prohibited from performing any duties for which a license is required until the licensee does not test positive (presumptive or confirmatory) for the presence of any illegal controlled substance.

     (((9))) (10) Any licensee or applicant who is affected by intoxicating liquor or who has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is prohibited from performing any duties for which a license is required until the licensee is not affected by intoxicating liquor and his/her alcohol concentration is below 0.08 percent.

     (11) Any licensee or applicant who has an alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or higher while on horseback is prohibited from being on horseback until his/her alcohol concentration is below 0.02 percent.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020. 07-03-066, § 260-84-065, filed 1/16/07, effective 2/16/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 67.16.020 and 67.16.040. 06-07-058, § 260-84-065, filed 3/10/06, effective 4/10/06.]

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