ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

HB 2415: Arizona racing commission; continuation

Sponsor: Representative Cook, LD 7

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Continues the Arizona Racing Commission (Commission) for two years.

History

Arizona Racing Commission

In 1949, the Legislature created the Commission and legalized pari-mutuel wagering (Laws 1949, Chapter 61). In 1982, the Legislature created the Arizona Department of Racing to regulate and supervise pari-mutuel racing and wagering in Arizona and protect the racing participants and wagering public (Laws 1982, Chapter 310). Before the Department of Racing was created, the Commission performed those regulatory activities. In 2015, the Legislature transferred the responsibilities of the Department of Racing to the Department of Gaming (Laws 2015, Chapter 19). The Commission consists of five members, appointed by the Governor to five year terms (A.R.S. § 5-102).

The Commission: 1) issues racing dates; 2) prepares and adopts rules to govern racing meetings and protect and promote the safety and welfare of racing animals, public health and the proper conduct of racing and pari-mutuel wagering; 3) conducts hearings on applications for permits and approves permits; 4) reviews all applications to construct capital improvements at racetracks; and 5) supervises the Director of the Division of Racing (A.R.S. § 5-104).

Sunset Review Process

The sunset review process provides a system for the Legislature to evaluate the need to continue the existence of state agencies which are reviewed by a legislative committee of reference (COR). The COR is required to hold a public hearing, receive testimony from agency officials and the public and consider certain sunset factors to determine whether to recommend continuing, consolidating or terminating the agency (A.R.S. § 41-2954).

The Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water COR and House Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs COR held a public meeting on January 11, 2024 and recommended that the Legislature continue the Commission for two years, until July 1, 2026 or up to six years, until July 1, 2030. The Arizona Racing Commission terminates on July 1, 2024, unless continued by the Legislature (A.R.S. § 41-3024.28).

Provisions

1. Continues, retroactively to July 1, 2024, the Commission until July 1, 2026. (Sec. 2, 4)

2. Repeals the Commission on January 1, 2027. (Sec. 2)

3. Includes a purpose statement. (Sec. 3)

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7. HB 2415

8. Initials KK/IG Page 0 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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