SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 1571

As Reported By Senate Committee On:

Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions, March 27, 2001

Title:  An act relating to changing provisions relating to the import of simulcast horse races from out‑of‑state racing facilities to class 1 racing associations' live racing facilities.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions on simulcast horse racing.

Sponsors:  By House Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Representatives Wood, Clements and Conway).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  3/27/01 [DPA].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Franklin, Honeyford, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Catherine Mele (786‑7470)

Background:  A class 1 racing association (race track) may import simulcast racing programs from out-of state racing facilities if approved by the Washington State Horse Racing Commission.  The number and frequency of imported simulcast programs depends upon whether the race track offers live horse racing or whether the live horse racing season has ended.

During the racing season, a class 1 racing association may open for wagering for up to five days.  On the days that the race track conducts live racing during this five day period, it may import no more than one simulcast program per day from out-of-state racing facilities.  Generally, one simulcast program contains eight to ten races that viewers watch via satellite on television monitors between live races.  The Horse Racing Commission may also provide special approval of one imported out-of-state race of regional and national interest on each live race day.  For up to two days per week (out of the five possible open days) when the race track does not offer live racing, it may import two simulcast programs from out-of-state racing facilities.  When the live racing season ends, the race track may import simulcast programs five days per week from out-of-state racing facilities.  The Horse Racing Commission must approve parimutuel wagering at class 1 racing facilities and simulcast parimutuel wagering for imported simulcast programs.

Summary of Amended Bill:  The provisions that govern when and how often a class 1 racing association may import simulcast programs from out-of-state racing facilities during live race meets are deleted.

Amended Bill Compared to Original Bill:  The striking amendment removes the section of the bill that requires licensees to include a statement of warning regarding the dangers of pathological gambling behavior in advertising or promotion of simulcast racing.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.