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Bill

A 7802

Requires harness racetrack locations awarded a gaming facility license maintain live racing activity

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paula Kay and 1 co-sponsor

Bill A 7802 requires harness racetracks with gaming licenses to maintain live racing, protecting the racing industry and preserving its traditions amid growing gaming popularity.

DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR
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Bill Summary · A 7802

Summary of Bill A 7802

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 7802
  • Title: Requires harness racetrack locations awarded a gaming facility license to maintain live racing activity
  • Status: Returned to Assembly
  • Introduced: April 11, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 7802 aims to ensure that harness racetracks that have been awarded gaming facility licenses continue to conduct live racing activities. The intent behind this legislation is to preserve the integrity and tradition of live harness racing, which may be at risk due to the increasing popularity of gaming facilities.

Key Provisions

  • Live Racing Requirement: The bill mandates that any harness racetrack that receives a gaming facility license must maintain a schedule of live racing events. This provision is designed to protect the racing industry and ensure that it remains a viable part of the entertainment landscape.
  • Regulatory Oversight: The bill may include provisions for regulatory oversight to ensure compliance with the live racing requirement, although specific details on enforcement mechanisms are not provided in the current summary.

Affected Parties

  • Harness Racetracks: Facilities that are awarded gaming licenses will be directly impacted, as they will be required to continue live racing operations.
  • Horse Racing Industry: The bill supports the broader horse racing community, including trainers, jockeys, and owners, by ensuring that live racing remains a part of the racetrack's offerings.
  • Gaming Facilities: Operators of gaming facilities at harness racetracks will need to adapt their business models to incorporate live racing as a mandatory component.

Legislative Timeline

  • April 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Racing and Wagering Committee.
  • April 23, 2025: Amended and recommitted to the Racing and Wagering Committee.
  • April 30, 2025: Reported and referred to the Ways and Means Committee.
  • May 27, 2025: Reported and referred to Rules.
  • June 6, 2025: Passed in the Assembly and delivered to the Senate.
  • June 13, 2025: Substituted for companion bill S 8358, passed in the Senate, and returned to the Assembly.

Related Bills

  • A 4907: A prior-session bill related to harness racing and gaming.
  • S 8358: A companion bill that addresses similar issues regarding harness racetracks and gaming facilities.

Conclusion

Bill A 7802 represents a significant legislative effort to ensure the sustainability of live harness racing in the context of expanding gaming operations. By mandating that licensed racetracks maintain live racing, the bill seeks to protect the interests of the racing community and uphold the tradition of the sport. The bill is currently returned to the Assembly for further consideration.

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

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