Bill > SB212

This bill, the "Harry Geisinger Rural Georgia Jobs and Growth Act", would enact the following key provisions: 1. It would establish the Georgia Horse Racing Commission to regulate and oversee pari-mutuel (pool betting) horse racing in the state, including the licensing and operation of up to 5 equestrian facilities that can conduct live and simulcast horse racing, as well as advance deposit wagering. 2. The bill sets standards and requirements for equestrian facility licenses, including a minimum $125 million investment, and gives the Commission authority to suspend or revoke licenses. It also establishes a dispute resolution process between licensed facilities and recognized horsemen's groups regarding purses and other contract terms. 3. The bill provides a framework for the taxation and distribution of pari-mutuel wagering revenue, including allocations to a Georgia Breeders Fund, the state's general fund, and programs for education, health care, rural development, and gambling addiction prevention and treatment. 4. The bill creates several new criminal offenses related to attempting to influence the outcome of horse races through prohibited means, as well as prohibitions on underage and unauthorized pari-mutuel wagering. The bill is contingent on the passage of a state constitutional amendment authorizing pari-mutuel wagering, which must be approved by voters in the 2022 general election before the bill can take effect on January 1, 2023.