Bill > HF1540

This bill establishes a thoroughbred racehorse residency, aftercare, and benevolence pilot program in Minnesota to support the state's agricultural and equine industries. Beginning in 2025, the commissioner of agriculture will create a voluntary registry for thoroughbred racehorses that have resided at a Minnesota racetrack for at least 120 days, with owners paying a $100 non-refundable application fee. In 2026 and 2027, racetracks will award $750 to the current owners of registered horses that start a race, with the state fully reimbursing these awards. The program will also provide grants for two key purposes: first, to help national thoroughbred organizations and state equine programs retrain or repurpose retired racehorses, and second, to support mental health and educational services for racetrack stable workers and their local communities. A new account in the agricultural fund will be established, initially funded by a onetime $7 million transfer from the general fund, with at least $500,000 annually allocated for each grant category. The pilot program is set to expire on July 1, 2028, after two racing seasons of implementation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1540&ssn=0&y=2025