HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1442
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 Legislature
Title: An act relating to providing increased access to parimutuel satellite locations in counties with a population exceeding one million.
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.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Government Accountability & Oversight: 2/5/13, 2/12/13 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/7/13, 97-0.
Passed Senate: 4/9/13, 40-8.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY & OVERSIGHT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hurst, Chair; Wylie, Vice Chair; Condotta, Ranking Minority Member; Holy, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Blake, Kirby, Moscoso, Shea and Smith.
Staff: Thamas Osborn (786-7129).
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 of Bill:
In counties whose populations exceed 1 million, the Commission may approve a maximum of two satellite locations where paramutuel wagering may occur.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill is designed to allow King County to have a second satellite location for off-track betting. This is a good bill that benefits the state, King County, Emerald Downs, and the industry as a whole. Adding a second satellite location would generate a huge amount of money for the state as well as the race track, Emerald Downs. Washington is falling behind in developing horse racing and this legislation would be a shot in the arm for the racing industry. Also, the second location would provide residents with optional locations and thus improve citizen access to an off-track betting facility.
(Neutral) Adding the second satellite location would be a big money maker for Emerald Downs as well as the racing industry in general.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: (In support) Ron Crockett and Jim Halstrom, Northwest Racing
(Neutral) Doug Moore, Horse Racing Commission.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.