PRINTER'S NO. 2637
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
616
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY CAUSER AND CARROLL, DECEMBER 9, 2015
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,
DECEMBER 9, 2015
A RESOLUTION
Directing the Joint State Government Commission, with assistance
from the Independent Fiscal Office, to conduct a study on the
impact of regulations and policies concerning Pennsylvania's
horse racing industry.
WHEREAS, It is in the best interests of this Commonwealth to
to consider reforming the regulations and policies of
Pennsylvania's horse racing industry; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives direct the Joint
State Government Commission, with assistance from the
Independent Fiscal Office, to conduct a study and provide a
report to the chairperson and minority chairperson of the
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee of the Senate and the
chairperson and minority chairperson of the Agriculture and
Rural Affairs Committee of the House of Representatives no later
than February 1, 2017. The report shall include an assessment of
the financial, regulatory and market factors listed under
paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9) and
shall offer recommendations on best practices in each area for
the Commonwealth to consider. The study shall provide an
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
assessment of and recommendation on the following:
(1) Potential cost savings and regulatory streamlining
in the oversight of racing, including those associated with
combining Pennsylvania's gaming oversight functions, such as
horse racing, casino gaming and lottery, into a single,
coordinated entity.
(2) The necessity, efficiency and benefits of having
separate racing commissions or divisions within a single
commission for thoroughbred and harness tracks.
(3) A determination of best regulatory practices in
other jurisdictions, such as New York, Ohio and Maryland and
other states or provinces and comparing Pennsylvania's
approach against the best regulatory practices in other
jurisdictions.
(4) In addition to the Auditor General's June 17, 2014,
Special Performance Audit of the State Racing Fund, a
determination of what safeguards and policies can be
implemented to avoid future inappropriate cost allocations by
the Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth to the
racing commissions.
(5) An evaluation of the cost effectiveness of the
Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research Laboratory and
comparing the laboratory's functions to other jurisdictions.
(6) Consideration of the imposition of increased fines
and the assessment of Pennsylvania Equine Toxicology Research
Laboratory costs against those found to have engaged in the
impermissible doping of race horses and examination of how to
strengthen property owner rights in the ejectment of bad
actors in racing.
(7) A determination of the economic return to the
20150HR0616PN2637 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Commonwealth on the investment of gaming tax revenues
collected under the act of July 5, 2004 (P.L.572, No.71),
entitled, "An act amending Title 4 (Amusements) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, authorizing certain
racetrack and other gaming; providing for regulation of
gaming licensees; establishing and providing for the powers
and duties of the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board;
conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of
Revenue, the Department of Health, the Office of Attorney
General, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania
Liquor Control Board; establishing the State Gaming Fund, the
Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund, the Pennsylvania
Gaming Economic Development and Tourism Fund, the Compulsive
and Problem Gambling Treatment Fund and the Property Tax
Relief Fund; providing for enforcement; imposing penalties;
making appropriations; and making related repeals."
(8) A determination of the nature of thoroughbred and
standardbred breeding in this Commonwealth since the
enactment of the act of July 5, 2004 (P.L.572, No.71), and
comparing it to the nature of breeding before enactment of
the act of July 5, 2004 (P.L.572, No.71).
(9) A determination of how Pennsylvania's race horse
industry and regulatory entities can best be positioned for
future success or at a minimum financial stability in an
environment of declining race track patrons and handle,
competition from live racing from neighboring states and the
increasing availability of alternative gaming platforms, such
as Internet and mobile gaming and fantasy sports.
Specifically, the study shall consider options for reforming
and promoting horse racing meetings that will increase
20150HR0616PN2637 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
handle, reduce racing costs, promote the health of the horse
and advance the best interests of racing fans and bettors.
20150HR0616PN2637 - 4 -
1
2