summary
Introduced
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
In Committee
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that the Illinois Racing Board, in lieu of obtaining a court reporter to make accurate transcriptions at each regular and special meeting and proceeding, shall create a verbatim record of each regular and special meeting in the form of an audio or video recording, unless an emergency situation precludes the creation of a transcript or recording. Allows the Board to refuse an occupation license to any person for any other just cause. Requires an applicant for an employment position as a pari-mutuel clerk, parking attendant, or security guard to include in the application whether the applicant has ever been convicted of any theft, fraud, wagering during the course of employment, touting, bookmaking, or any other act which is detrimental to the best interests of racing. Requires a licensee to forward a copy of the application form to the Board prior to extending an offer of employment to an applicant (rather than upon its decision to hire the applicant) and certify that it has checked the applicant's background. Removes language requiring the Board's review of an applicant to include an inquiry. Provides that no organization license may be granted to conduct a horse race meeting to any person who does not, at the time of application for the organization license, have plans certified by a licensed architect and confirmed financing for construction of a race track suitable for the type of racing intended to be held by the applicant and for the accommodation of the public on property that the applicant owns or has a contract or lease for possession of with completion scheduled before the meet applied for begins. Requires an application to conduct a horse race meeting to be delivered with a certified check or bank draft payable to the order of the Board for $10,000 (rather than $1,000). Allows the Board to impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 (rather than $5,000) for individuals and up to $25,000 (rather than $10,000) against licensees for each violation of the Act. Makes conforming and other changes. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 to modernize record-keeping, enhance applicant vetting, and adjust penalties and fees. Key provisions include allowing the Illinois Racing Board (IRB) to create audio or video recordings instead of relying solely on court reporters for meeting records, unless an emergency prevents it. It also expands the IRB's ability to refuse occupation licenses for "just cause," and requires applicants for certain positions like pari-mutuel clerks to disclose past convictions related to theft, fraud, or other detrimental acts to racing, with employers needing to submit applications to the IRB before hiring and certify background checks. The bill increases the application fee for conducting a horse race meeting from $1,000 to $10,000 and raises the maximum civil penalties for violations to $10,000 for individuals and $25,000 for licensees. Furthermore, it mandates that applicants for an organization license to conduct a race meeting must possess certified plans and confirmed financing for a suitable racetrack before being granted a license.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
To Gaming, Wagering, and Racing (on 02/04/2026)
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