FINAL BILL REPORT

HB 1442

C 18 L 13

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Providing increased access to parimutuel satellite locations in counties with a population exceeding one million.

Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Cody, Hunt, Condotta, Blake and Sullivan.

House Committee on Government Accountability & Oversight

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Background:

The Washington Horse Racing Commission (Commission) is responsible for regulating horse racing in Washington. The Commission's regulatory authority includes the licensing of horse racing associations, racing facilities, and the employees who participate in horse racing. It determines the place, time, and duration of race meets and is responsible for their supervision.

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 may permit only class 1 licensees to conduct parimutuel wagering at satellite locations. To participate, the class 1 licensee must have conducted at least one full live racing season and must hold a live race meet within each succeeding 12-month period to maintain eligibility. Only one satellite location may be approved in each county and it may not be operated within 20 driving miles of any class 1 racing facility. The Commission may authorize more than one licensee to conduct wagering at each satellite location.

Summary:

In counties whose populations exceed one million, the Commission may approve a maximum of two satellite locations where parimutuel wagering may occur.

Votes on Final Passage: