Bill > HB1598

This bill alters the requirements for receiving grants from the Racetrack Facility Renewal Account, a fund managed by the State Racing Commission to support capital improvements at racetracks. Specifically, it changes the process from being mandatory to optional for a "racing licensee" (defined as someone holding a license to hold a race meeting) to provide and spend their own matching funds when applying for a grant for a capital construction plan. If a racing licensee chooses to receive a grant without providing a matching fund, they are now required to commit to conducting live racing in the state for at least 10 years after their construction plan is completed. The bill also clarifies that the State Racing Commission must recapture grant funds if this 10-year racing commitment is not met, calculating the repayment on a pro-rata basis.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1598?ys=2026RS