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HJR 1019

AN AMENDMENT TO THE ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION TO REMOVE REFERENCES TO GREYHOUND RACING FROM ARKANSAS CONSTITUTION, AMENDMENT 100.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stephen Meeks

HJR 1019 aimed to update Arkansas' Constitution by removing outdated greyhound racing references, streamlining regulations for horse racing and casino gaming.

Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.
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Bill Summary · HJR 1019

Summary of HJR 1019: Amendment to Remove Greyhound Racing References from Arkansas Constitution

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HJR 1019
  • Title: An Amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to Remove References to Greyhound Racing from Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 100
  • Introduced: February 12, 2025
  • Status: Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment on May 5, 2025
  • Classification: Joint Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HJR 1019 aimed to amend the Arkansas Constitution by eliminating all references to greyhound racing, which is no longer practiced in the state. The bill sought to update Amendment 100, which was originally passed in 2018 to allow casino gaming at certain facilities, including those that previously conducted greyhound racing.

Key Provisions

The proposed amendment included several significant changes:

  1. Removal of Greyhound Racing References:

    • All mentions of greyhound racing would be removed from Amendment 100, reflecting the fact that no entity currently holds a franchise for greyhound racing in Arkansas.

  2. Amendments to Casino Gaming Regulations:

    • The amendment would adjust the distribution of net casino gaming receipts tax, which includes:
      • 13% on the first $150 million of receipts and 20% on receipts exceeding that amount.
      • 17.5% of the net casino gaming receipts tax would be allocated to the Arkansas Racing Commission for horse racing purses only, as greyhound racing would no longer be included.

  3. Financial Contributions:

    • The bill proposed that any contributions previously required for greyhound racing purses and breeding activities would be eliminated, as they are no longer applicable.

  4. Effective Date:

    • If approved by voters, the amendments would take effect on January 1, 2027.

Impact

  • Affected Entities:

    • The primary impact would be on the Arkansas Racing Commission and any entities involved in horse racing, as the removal of greyhound racing references would streamline regulations and financial distributions related solely to horse racing.

  • Fiscal Impact:

    • According to the fiscal impact statement, there would be no financial implications for taxpayers, as greyhound racing is no longer practiced in Arkansas.

  • Legal Considerations:

    • The bill included a note that further legal updates might be necessary to align with the proposed changes, particularly concerning definitions and obligations related to franchise holders.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and quickly moved through the legislative process, being read and referred to the Committee on State Agencies & Governmental Affairs. However, it ultimately did not progress beyond the committee stage and was declared dead at the end of the legislative session.

Conclusion

HJR 1019 represented an effort to modernize the Arkansas Constitution by removing outdated references to greyhound racing, reflecting the current state of the industry. Although it did not advance, the proposal highlighted ongoing discussions regarding the regulation of gaming and racing in Arkansas.

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

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