PREFILED    JAN 09 2020

REFERENCE TITLE: harness racing; resumption

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session 2020

HR 2002

Introduced by Representative Thorpe

 

A RESOLUTION

 

supporting the return of harness racing to arizona.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

Whereas, harness racing is a form of horse racing whereby the horses race at a specific trot or pace known as a gait and usually pull a two‑wheeled cart called a sulky; and

Whereas, at least fifteen states offer harness racing at more than thirty-five tracks; and

Whereas, harness racing has a long history in this state, beginning in the early 1900s; and

Whereas, the Legislature recognizes the relation harness racing has to Arizona's commerce; and

Whereas, the people of the State of Arizona would like harness racing to resume in this state; and

Whereas, it is in the interest of the State of Arizona and those who participate in harness racing to update past harness racing rules and regulations; and

Whereas, it is in the interest of this state and those who participate in harness racing to have best practice standards incorporated and implemented for the health, safety and fairness of those participating in the sport.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives support the resumption of harness racing in Arizona and request the Arizona Racing Commission to enact the rapid resumption of harness racing in this state, including updating past harness racing rules and regulations and incorporating best practices for the health, safety and fairness of those involved in the sport.