H-524                _______________________________________________

                                                    HOUSE BILL NO. 222

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State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1987 Regular Session

By Representatives Wang, Patrick, May, Schoon and Brough

Read first time 1/22/87 and referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.

AN ACT Relating to the composition of the horse racing commission; and amending RCW 67.16.012.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

        Sec. 1.  Section 2, chapter 55, Laws of 1933 as last amended by section 1, chapter 216, Laws of 1973 1st ex. sess. and RCW 67.16.012 are each amended to read as follows:

          There is hereby created the Washington horse racing commission, to consist of ((three)) five commissioners((, who)) appointed by the governor.  The commissioners shall be citizens, residents, and qualified electors of the state of Washington((, and one of whom shall be a breeder of race horses and he shall be of at least one year's standing.  The first members of said commission shall be appointed by the governor within thirty days after March 3, 1933, one for a term to expire on the Thursday following the second Monday in January of 1935, one for a term to expire on the Thursday following the second Monday in January of 1937, and one for a term to expire on the Thursday following the second Monday in January of 1939,)).  In making the appointments, the governor shall consider the geographic diversity of the state.  Beginning with the appointment of the members to fill the additional positions created in 1987, a majority of the members of the commission shall not be owners, breeders, or trainers of race horses, or have any other direct financial interest in the horse racing industry.  Of the members appointed to fill the additional positions created in 1987, one shall be appointed for a term to expire on the Thursday following the second Monday of 1991, and one shall be appointed for a term to expire on the Thursday following the second Monday of 1993.  Upon ((which)) the expiration of the term of any member, the governor shall appoint a successor for a term of six years.  Each member shall hold office until his or her successor is appointed and qualified.  Vacancies in the office of commissioner shall be filled by appointment to be made by the governor for the unexpired term.  Any commissioner may be removed at any time at the pleasure of the governor:  PROVIDED, That any member or successor that is appointed or reappointed by the governor after August 11, 1969, shall be confirmed by the senate.  Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, each commissioner shall enter into a surety company bond, to be approved by the governor and attorney general, payable to the state of Washington, in the penal sum of five thousand dollars, conditioned upon the faithful performance of his or her duties and the correct accounting and payment of all sums received and coming within his or her control under this chapter, and in addition thereto each commissioner shall take and subscribe to an oath of office of the same form as that prescribed by law for elective state officers.