HORSE RACING COMMISSION

[Filed March 18, 2020, 7:55 a.m., effective March 18, 2020, 7:55 a.m.]

Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.

Purpose: Licensed persons have access to the stable area at a licensed racetrack and by rule may sign in guests for access. With the current pandemic surrounding the COVID-19 virus, it is for the industry and participants health and safety that this access be restricted to prevent the possible spread of the virus. The amendment to this section will restrict access to the stable area only to those with a current Washington horse racing commission license, with the exception of those delivering supplies or transporting horses.

Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 260-20-040.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter 67.16 RCW.

Under RCW 34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.

Reasons for this Finding: Restricting access to the facility immediately is a measure to protect those individuals that are required to be in the stable area for the care of the horses.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 0, Amended 1, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Date Adopted: March 18, 2020.

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-11-115, filed 5/18/07, effective 6/18/07)

WAC 260-20-040Admission to grounds—Restricted areas.

(1) A person may only be permitted to enter the restricted areas of the racing association grounds under the following conditions:

(a) The person possesses a license or credentials issued by the commission.

(b) The person possesses a pass issued by the association.

(2) The restricted areas of a racing association will include, but not be limited to the stable area, and the jockey's quarters.

(3) Children may be granted access to the stable areas as long as they are in the company of a parent or guardian who has a properly issued license, credential, or pass.

(4) Persons escorted by a licensee must remain in the company of the licensee who signed them in.

(5)))The person is delivering supplies or transporting horses to the facility.

(2) Unlicensed persons granted access must be logged in by the racing association for commission review.

(3) At a Class C racing association, the stable areas will not be considered a restricted area, except that the racing association may limit access to this area.

(((6)))(4) Passes must be displayed while in a restricted area.