Bill > A06045

This bill establishes a seven-member Commission on Retired Racehorses to provide oversight and support for horses that are no longer racing. The commission will be composed of members appointed by the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker, including representatives from horse owners, breeders, trainers, and experts in horse-related fields. The commission's primary responsibilities include creating and maintaining a comprehensive registry tracking retired racehorses in New York, which will cover both thoroughbred and standardbred horses that are no longer racing. Members will serve four-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The commission will work with the gaming commission to develop strategies for addressing the well-being of retired racehorses, including preventing abandonment and slaughter, and will publish quarterly reports with aggregate data about retired racehorses. Owners will be required to report ownership changes and horse deaths within 72 hours, with potential civil penalties of up to $250 for non-compliance. The bill is set to take effect on April 1, 2027, and aims to provide systematic support and tracking for retired racehorses in New York state.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6045