summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/26/2026
02/26/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §19-23-3 and §19-23-13b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; relating to providing a definition for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses; setting requirements and purse calculations for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses to race in restricted races; and providing eligibility requirements for West Virginia Accredited restricted races.
AI Summary
This bill, the West Virginia First Live Racing Jobs Act of 2026, aims to bolster the state's horse racing industry by introducing a new category of eligible horses and clarifying rules for races. It defines "West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred" horses, which must be registered with the West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association and have resided in the state for a specific period before their third year, with exceptions for sales or veterinary care. These certified horses will be eligible for restricted races, which are races specifically set aside for horses meeting certain West Virginia criteria, but they will not be eligible for the West Virginia Thoroughbred Fund or certain higher-level stakes races. The bill also clarifies that while accredited thoroughbreds will have preference in oversubscribed fields, West Virginia Certified Thoroughbreds can still compete for purse money in these restricted races. This legislation seeks to encourage the breeding and racing of West Virginia-certified horses, contributing to the state's racing economy.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (11)
Joe Funkhouser (R)*,
Jordan Bridges (R),
Wayne Clark (R),
Mark Dean (R),
Jeff Eldridge (R),
Joe Ellington (R),
Pat McGeehan (R),
Chris Phillips (R),
Bill Ridenour (R),
Andy Shamblin (R),
Jimmy Willis (R),
Last Action
To House Finance (on 02/26/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5464&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5464%20sub1.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5464 |
| hb5464 hfin rev am _1 2-26 | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/legisdocs/chamber/2026/RS/com_amends/hb5464%20hfin%20rev%20am%20_1%202-26.htm |
| Fiscal Note - Lottery Commission, WV | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=957947539 |
| Fiscal Note - Lottery Commission, WV | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=943454158 |
| Fiscal Note - Racing Commission, WV | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=943454180 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5464%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5464 |
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