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HB 4139

2026-2027; amusements.

57th Legislature - Second Regular Session Introduced by Michael Carbone and 4 co-sponsors

Imposes a 0.5% regulatory assessment on commercial racing permittees for ADG funding in 2026-27, plus a temporary gate-approval pilot requiring two workouts for first-time starters

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Bill Summary · HB 4139

HB 4139 (Arizona, 57th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session) – Summary

Purpose and scope
- The bill, titled “2026-2027; amusements,” contains provisions for the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) related to:
- A regulatory assessment on commercial racing permittees
- Procedural allowances for first-time starter horses at race meetings in 2026-2027
- The provisions are framed as part of the FY 2027 budget package and are set to operate as session law (i.e., effective for the specified period).

Key provisions

1) Regulatory assessment on commercial racing permittees (Sec. 1)
- In fiscal year 2026-2027, ADG must establish and collect a regulatory assessment from each commercial racing permittee.
- Source and method: The assessment is payable from amounts deducted from pari-mutuel pools by the permittee, in addition to amounts the permittee may deduct under ARS 5-111(B).
- Rate: 0.5% of the amounts wagered on live and simulcast races (including wagering both in-state and out-of-state that is handled by the permittee).
- Purpose: The assessment funds regulatory activities of the ADG (as proposed in the bill and accompanying budget materials).

2) Gate approval and timed workouts for first-time starters (Sec. 2)
- For race meetings in 2026 and 2027, ADG may allow a first-time starter horse to race if:
- Gate approval has been obtained, and
- The horse has completed at least two timed workouts.
- At least one of the two workouts must be an out-of-the-gate workout conducted within 60 days of the race in which the horse is entered.
- Repeal of authority: The gate approval provision is repealed effective January 1, 2028.

Administrative and procedural notes
- The provisions are included as part of the FY 2027 budget context (session law ongoing for the specified period).
- The bill specifies that the regulatory assessment is in addition to existing deductions permitted under current law.
- The gate approval provision is temporary, with a sunset/repeal date of January 1, 2028, unless renewed or amended by future legislation.

Affected parties

  • Commercial racing permittees: Subject to the 0.5% regulatory assessment (FY 2026-2027) and to any related regulatory requirements.
  • Arizona Department of Gaming: Responsible for establishing and collecting the 0.5% assessment and for administering the gate approval and timed-workout provisions during 2026-2027.
  • Horse racing participants (trainers, owners, horses): Potentially affected by the gate approval criteria and the workout requirements for first-time starters.

Timing and fiscal notes

  • Effective period for the regulatory assessment: FY 2026-2027.
  • Gate approval provisions: Apply to 2026 and 2027 race meetings.
  • Sunset date: January 1, 2028, for the gate approval authority.

Overall impact
- The bill streamlines a new regulatory funding mechanism for ADG in the 2026-2027 period via a 0.5% wagering-based assessment.
- It also introduces a pilot-like gate approval framework for first-time starters in 2026-2027 to potentially accelerate or expand participation, conditioned on workouts and gate approval, with a formal sunset date.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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