Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Commerce & Labor Committee

HB 1571

Brief Description:  Changing provisions on simulcast horse racing.

Sponsors:  Representatives Wood, Clements and Conway.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Removes the limitation on the number of simulcast races a racing association may be authorized to import during its live race meet.

Hearing Date:  2/13/01

Staff:  Sydney Forrester (786‑7120).

Background: 

Racing associations licensed by the WHRC may be authorized solely by the commission to import simulcasts of horse races from out-of-state racing facilities for the purpose of parimutuel wagering.  An association may be allowed to import: (1) unlimited simulcasts during its non-live race season; and (2) limited simulcasts during its live race meet. 

During both the live race meet and the non-live race season, associations may conduct parimutuel wagering up to five days each week.  The limits on the import of simulcast races during an association=s live meet are: (1) no more than one simulcast race per each live race day; and (2) no more than two simulcast races on two non-live race days per each week.

Summary of Bill: 

The limits on the number of simulcast races an association may be authorized to import during its live race meet are lifted.  An association may be authorized to import as many simulcasts as the commission allows under the live race regulations.

Rules Authority:  The bill does not contain provisions addressing the rule-making powers of an agency.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.