Bill > S02618

This bill amends the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law to establish a more comprehensive system for funding health insurance for jockeys. Specifically, it mandates that a franchised corporation create a program to purchase health insurance for eligible jockeys, funded by depositing 1.5% of gross purse enhancement revenue from video lottery gaming at thoroughbred tracks into a segregated account. The bill introduces flexibility in managing unused funds from this account, allowing them to be either returned pro-rata to contributors, deposited into a reserve fund, or distributed through a combination of methods, with the specific approach to be determined by agreement between the franchised corporation and a jockey's organization representing at least 51% of eligible jockeys. Additionally, the bill allows for the creation of an optional reserve fund specifically for paying premiums not yet due, with provisions for returning those funds to purse enhancement if the fund is deemed no longer necessary. The legislation aims to provide a sustainable and adaptable mechanism for supporting jockeys' health insurance while maintaining financial accountability.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2618