SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5125
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, February 27, 2009
Title: An act relating to the Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account.
Brief Description: Concerning the Washington horse racing commission Washington bred owners' bonus fund and breeder awards account.
Sponsors: Senators Hewitt and Kohl-Welles; by request of Horse Racing Commission.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection: 1/19/09, 1/26/09 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/27/09, 45-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & CONSUMER PROTECTION |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Kohl-Welles, Chair; Keiser, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Franklin, Honeyford and King.
Staff: Kathleen Buchli (786-7488)
Background: Licensees of the Horse Racing Commission (Commission) must withhold and pay daily to the Commission 1 percent of the gross receipts of all parimutuel machines at each race meet. This amount is distributed by the Commission to licensed owners of Washington bred only horses through the Washington Bred Owners' Bonus Fund Account.
One percent of the daily gross receipts of all parimutuel machines from exotic wagers at each race meet is used for Washington bred breeder awards which is distributed by Emerald Downs. The Commission does not have authority to distribute Washington bred breeder awards.
Summary of Bill: The Commission may collect and distribute both the Washington bred owners' bonuses and the Washington bred breeder awards. One percent of the gross receipts of all parimutuel machines from exotic wagers must be paid to the Commission at the end of a race meet and must be used by the Commission for Washington bred breeder awards. The Washington Bred Owner's Bonus Fund Account is changed to the Washington Bred Owner's Bonus Fund and Breeder Awards Account.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed, except for Section 4 which takes effect August 1, 2009.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Commission views this as a housekeeping bill. Currently, the Commission collects the information needed to distribute the Breeder Awards and distributes it to Emerald Downs. The bill would allow the Commission to distribute awards based on information it already collects.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Robert Lopez, Washington Horse Racing Commission.