HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1775
BYRepresentatives Leonard and Patrick;by request of Washington Horse Racing Commission
Providing for the disposition of gross receipts and fees from new horse race meets.
House Committe on Commerce & Labor
Majority Report: Do pass. (11)
Signed by Representatives Vekich, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Patrick, Ranking Republican Member; Jones, R. King, Leonard, O'Brien, Prentice, Smith, Walker and Wolfe.
House Staff:Joan Elgee (786-7166)
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR FEBRUARY 24, 1989
BACKGROUND:
The Horse Racing Commission receives license fees and a percentage of gross receipts from race meets. Of the moneys received other than from exotic races, the commission retains 22 percent for the payment of salaries and all other administrative expenses. Forty percent is paid to the general fund, 35 percent is paid to the fair fund and 3 percent is paid to the state trade fair fund. An additional percentage collected on gross receipts on exotic races is distributed 31 percent to the commission and 69 percent to the general fund.
SUMMARY:
Of the moneys paid to the Horse Racing Commission as a result of the operation of new race meets (those not in operation prior to January 1, 1989), the commission shall retain the costs of regulating the licensee as determined by the Office of Financial Management. The balance shall be distributed 51 percent to the general fund, 45 percent to the fair fund, and 4 percent to the state trade fair fund.
Revenue: The bill has a revenue impact.
Fiscal Note: Requested February 20, 1989.
House Committee ‑ Testified For: Margo Smith, Horse Racing Commission.
House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.
House Committee - Testimony For: Currently, tracks must have an average daily handle of at least $400,000 for the receipts to cover the Commission's costs. The bill is in anticipation of a new track in Thurston County and will allow the Commission to better recover its costs.
House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.