| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Commerce & Labor Committee | |
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.
Brief Description: Approving the importing of one simulcast race of regional or national interest on horse race days.
Sponsors: Senator Hewitt.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/27/07
Staff: Joan Elgee (786-7106).
Background:
The Washington Horse Racing Commission (Commission) licenses horse racing facilities and is
otherwise responsible for regulating horse racing in Washington. A class 1 racing association is
one that owns and operates its own race facility and offers at least 40 race days a year. The
Commission also licenses nonprofit races that are of 10 days or less and which have an average
daily handle of $120,000 or less.
Simulcasting is the process of offering wagering on a horse race that is broadcast live on
television from a race track. Imported simulcasts originate at racetracks outside the state. Class
1 racetracks are allowed to show simulcast signals from, and conduct wagering on, imported
simulcast signals. Legislation passed in 2004 deleted the authority of other racetracks to import
one simulcast race of regional or national interest on each live race day.
Summary of Bill:
A nonprofit racing association may be approved by the Commission to import one simulcast race
of regional or national interest on each live race day.
Rules Authority: The bill does not address the rule-making powers of an agency.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.