Bill > SB5610

This bill establishes a framework for funding federal horse racing regulatory compliance by creating a new Washington Equine Industry Federal Regulatory Account. The Horse Racing Commission is authorized to impose fees to cover expenses related to the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA), a federal law governing horse racing safety and integrity. The state treasurer will transfer up to $1,500,000 annually from the general fund to this new account, using revenues derived from parimutuel and sales and use taxes collected from class 1 racing associations. The transferred funds can only be used to pay fees charged by the federal Horseracing Integrity Safety Authority or cover direct costs required by HISA. The bill allows for potential biennial adjustments to the transfer amount based on inflation and changing federal fee structures. The account will require legislative appropriation before funds can be spent, ensuring oversight of the expenditures. This legislation aims to help the horse racing industry comply with federal regulations while providing a dedicated funding mechanism for associated costs.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5610&Year=2025&Initiative=false