Bill
Bill > SF2117
summary
Introduced
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
In Committee
01/27/2026
01/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
91st General Assembly
Bill Summary
This bill relates to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons. The bill strikes a provision requiring, as part of the state racing and gaming commission’s (commission) standards, that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be run independently unless mutually agreed upon by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. Instead, the bill requires that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be conducted as separate stand-alone meets that do not overlap, that races for the breeds not take place on the same day, and that the racing season for one breed not commence until the season for the other breed has concluded. However, the bill allows mixed meets featuring both breeds if mutually agreed upon in writing by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. The bill makes legislative findings related to a recent decision or interpretation of the commission.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the rules for thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons, specifically concerning how their racing schedules are organized. Previously, these seasons were required to run independently unless the associations representing owners and the racetrack licensee in Polk County agreed otherwise. Now, the bill mandates that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons must be conducted as separate, non-overlapping events, meaning races for one breed cannot occur on the same day as races for the other, and one breed's season cannot begin until the other's has finished. However, this separation can be waived if the owner associations and the Polk County racetrack licensee mutually agree in writing to a "mixed meet," which features both breeds. The bill also includes legislative findings that a recent decision by the state racing and gaming commission, which suggested races for both breeds could happen on the same day without such agreement, was inconsistent with the law's intent for independent racing.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Senate State Government Committee (11:00:00 2/18/2026 RM 116) (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/legislation/BillBook?ga=91&ba=SF2117 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/publications/LGI/91/attachments/SF2117.html |
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