SENATE BILL REPORT

                  EHB 2672

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

          Labor, Commerce & Trade, February 21, 1996

Title:  An act relating to prohibiting greyhound racing in the state of Washington.

Brief Description:  Prohibiting greyhound racing.

Sponsors:  Representatives Van Luven, Romero, Sheahan, Tokuda, Schoesler, D. Sommers, Murray and L. Thomas.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Trade:  2/21/96 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & TRADE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Pelz, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Deccio, McDonald and Wojahn.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786-7452)

Background:  The state of Washington regulates gambling under the Gambling Act of 1973.  Currently, the state has not authorized either live or simulcast of greyhound racing for the purpose of public exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events.

Summary of Bill:  Greyhound racing is prohibited in the state of Washington.  A person may not (1) hold, conduct, or operate live greyhound racing in the state for public exhibition, parimutuel betting, or special exhibition events; (2) transmit or receive intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound racing for commercial, parimutuel, or exhibition purposes; or (3) transmit or receive intrastate or interstate simulcasting of greyhound races for commercial, parimutuel, or special exhibition purposes that are legally established by a Washington treaty tribe.  Greyhound exhibits can be held, provided that gambling activities are not conducted.

Violation of the act is a class B felony (professional gambling in the first degree) which is punishable by confinement in a state correctional institution for a maximum term up to 10 years, or by a maximum fine up to $20,000, or both confinement and fine.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill will prohibit the expansion of gambling in this state by establishing an explicit ban on greyhound racing.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Rep. Van Luven, prime sponsor; Will Anderson, Progressive Animal Welfare Society; Mimi Cristall, Jim Walker, Greyhound Protection League.