Recognizing the Indiana horse racing industry.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Aylesworth and 33 co-sponsors

The resolution formally recognizes Indiana’s horse racing industry for its historical roots and statewide economic impact, without creating laws or funding.

Representatives Pierce K, Criswell, Culp, May, McNamara, King, Dant Chesser, Wesco, Isa, Harris, Bartlett, Novak R, Lucas, Lawson, Morris, VanNatter, Jackson C, Moed, Davis, Mayfield, Miller D, Pryor, Zimmerman, Judy, Bartels, Aylesworth, Genda, GiaQuinta, Carbaugh added as cosponsors

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1) Purpose and intent

This is a Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizing and acknowledging the Indiana horse racing industry.

It aims to highlight the historical development, economic impact, and statewide reach of horse racing, including Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse racing.

The resolution expresses appreciation for the industry and directs the transmission of the recognition to the Senate (Senator Doriot).

2) Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Recognition

The Indiana General Assembly recognizes the tremendous impact of the horse racing industry across the state.

Section 2: Transmission

Directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to Senator Doriot.

The resolution does not establish new laws, funding, or regulatory changes. It is an expressions of appreciation and acknowledgment by the legislature.

3) Who or what would be affected

The primary effect is symbolic and ceremonial:

The Indiana horse racing industry (participants, owners, breeders, trainers, employees, and related businesses) receives formal recognition from the General Assembly.
No new regulatory authority, funding mechanism, or policy change is created by SCR 8.

Geographic and economic scope acknowledged:

The industry’s activities span Indiana’s 92 counties and involve thousands of participants statewide.

4) Procedural and timeline aspects

Status:

Introduced and referred to committee in the 2026 session.
First reading and passage actions occurred in January 2026, with subsequent actions including cosponsor additions in February 2026.
The bill progressed through standard legislative steps in both chambers (House sponsor listed; eventual Senate action anticipated).

Notable context from the digest:

The resolution cites historical background: Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse racing in Indiana dating to the 19th and mid-20th centuries.
It references economic data from Purdue University (2022 study) noting an industry impact of about $2 billion annually and over 10,000 jobs, with more than 12,000 horses involved statewide per the study.
It notes the first Hoosier racetracks in Anderson (1994) and Shelbyville (2002).

5) Notable details and context

Economic and social framing:

Emphasizes the industry’s longstanding role in Indiana culture and economy, including breeding programs dating back to the 1990s.

Political framing:

The measure is non-binding and ceremonial, focusing on recognition rather than directives, appropriations, or policy changes.

Bottom line

SCR 8 is a formal, ceremonial resolution recognizing the Indiana horse racing industry’s historical roots, statewide economic impact, and broad participation base. It acknowledges Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse racing, cites a 2022 Purdue study on economic impact, and directs the transmission of the recognition to Senator Doriot. No new laws or funding are created by this resolution.

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