Bill
HB 660
HHR facilities would share a defined portion of gross machine revenue with host towns, funding municipal needs and subject to reporting, audits, and enforcement.
HB 660 — New Hampshire 2026
Summary of Intent, Provisions, and Impact
Overview
- Purpose: This bill would require historic horse racing facilities (often referred to as historical horse racing, or HHR, facilities) to compensate their host communities with a portion of the revenue generated from their historic horse racing machines. In short, it creates a revenue-sharing mechanism between HHR facilities and the towns or municipalities where those facilities operate.
- Jurisdiction: New Hampshire
- Session: 2026
Key Provisions
- Revenue Sharing Requirement:
- HHR facilities would be obligated to remit a defined percentage of gross revenue generated from their historic horse racing machines to their host communities.
- The bill specifies the share or formula to determine the portion, and may include annual adjustments or caps, if provided in the text.
- How Payments are Calculated:
- Revenues typically calculated as gross wagers or gross machine handle from the HHR terminals, before winnings paid out.
- The bill may outline whether refunds, promotional credits, or other disbursements are excluded from the revenue base.
- Distribution and Timing:
- The host municipality would receive the revenue share on a specified schedule (e.g., quarterly or annually).
- The mechanism for reporting and audit may be established, including potential independent audits or state oversight.
- Use of Funds:
- Revenue received by host communities would be directed to defined municipal purposes. Common eligible uses include general municipal services, public safety, infrastructure, or a dedicated community development fund. The bill may specify whether funds can be used for capital projects, recurring expenses, or relief programs.
- Compliance and Penalties:
- The bill would set enforcement provisions for noncompliance, potentially including penalties, interest, or civil remedies.
- There may be a sunset clause or review period to assess the program’s impact.
Who Would Be Affected
- Primary: Host communities where HHR facilities operate — e.g., towns or municipalities hosting historic horse racing venues.
- Affected Entities: Operators of HHR facilities would owe the revenue-sharing payments under the bill’s terms.
- Oversight/Administration: State or local government bodies responsible for administering the program, auditing compliance, and handling revenues.
Procedural and Timeline Aspects
- Introduction and Referral:
- Introduced early (2025), initially referred to Ways and Means, indicating a fiscal impact component.
- Committee Process:
- The bill underwent multiple committee actions, including executive sessions, public hearings, and work sessions, with debates on interim study vs. direct passage.
- Timeline shows a progression from introduction in January 2025 toward potential interim study consideration in 2026, suggesting ongoing evaluation of fiscal impacts and implementation details.
- Current Status (as of Action History):
- Referred for Interim Study (January 8, 2026) after a series of committee activity in 2025.
- Indicative that the Legislature is weighing fiscal implications and practical implementation before full enactment or during interim study deliberations.
Notes and Considerations
- Fiscal Impact: The bill would create a new recurring revenue obligation for HHR operators and a new revenue stream for host municipalities. The exact percentage, calculation method, and allowable uses of funds are critical determinants of the bill’s impact on operators and communities.
- Policy Rationale: Proponents typically argue that host communities should benefit from facilities located within their borders, offsetting costs related to traffic, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance.
- Local Autonomy: The degree of local control over fund allocation may be a point of discussion, including oversight and reporting requirements.
- Legal/Regulatory Alignment: The bill would need to align with existing gambling, gaming, and revenue-sharing laws in New Hampshire and any relevant compacts or regulatory frameworks.
If you would like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific sections (e.g., proposed formula, reporting requirements, or penalties) once the bill’s exact text is available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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