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S 280

Safety belts, evidence admissibility in civil action

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Shane Massey

Massachusetts would ban most horse racing and wagering, curb licensing/simulcasting, and permit only one Norfolk County harness licensee; broad speed racing ban starts 1/1/2027.

Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · S 280

Summary — S.280: “An Act to protect horses” (filed 01/17/2025)

Purpose

S.280 would prohibit most forms of horse racing and wagering on horse races in Massachusetts. The bill frames the prohibition as an animal-welfare measure, citing Chapter 272, Section 77 (state cruelty law) and arguing that racing subjects horses to unnecessary harm.

Key provisions

  • Broad ban on wagering races:

    • Prohibits any horse racing or racing meeting in the Commonwealth “where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of horses occurs.”
    • The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) would be barred from accepting or approving any application requesting racing dates for horse racing.

  • Removal of horse racing references from current law:

    • Directs that Chapter 128A (Massachusetts racing law) be construed as if it contains no references to horses, horse racing, or horse races.

  • General ban on racing for speed (with narrow exception):

    • Prohibits racing of animals for speed in Massachusetts with or without wagering, except for one existing racing licensee in Norfolk County as of January 1, 2024.
    • Effective date for this ban: January 1, 2027.

  • Licensing and simulcasting restrictions:

    • Racing meeting licensees (including fair-based meetings) may not simulcast or accept wagers on running horse / thoroughbred racing.
    • Prohibits incentives to develop facilities that would race running horse / thoroughbred tracks.
    • Amends Chapter 28K (gaming law) so that:
    • No applications for running horse / thoroughbred racing licenses may be considered or approved by the MGC (effective immediately).
    • No new racing license applications for new harness-racing operators will be considered or approved.
    • No new simulcasting licenses may be approved beyond those in existence on January 1, 2024.
    • Exception: the Norfolk County licensee (as of 1/1/2024) may renew but only for harness racing; it may never operate a running horse / thoroughbred track.

  • Severability:

    • The bill includes a severability-style clause stating that if any part is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

Who would be affected

  • Directly: racetracks, racing licensees, owners, trainers, jockeys, breeders, vendors, pari‑mutuel and simulcast operators, and fairs that host racing events.
  • Indirectly: employees of the racing industry, local businesses dependent on racing activity, and state/local tax and wagering revenue streams tied to horse racing and simulcasting.
  • Regulatory impact: Massachusetts Gaming Commission — constraints on licensing and approval duties.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced in the Senate 01/17/2025 (Senate Docket No. 2047; presented by Jacob R. Oliveira, by request).
  • Referred to the Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure (actions recorded 01/28/2025 and 02/27/2025).
  • Hearing scheduled: June 23, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM, A‑1).
  • Effective timing in text: some prohibitions effective immediately; the broad ban on racing for speed effective January 1, 2027.

Notes

  • The bill specifically preserves one historical licensee in Norfolk County with limitations.
  • The printed sponsor list provided with the file appears to include names typically associated with federal lawmakers; the bill’s primary Massachusetts sponsor is Jacob R. Oliveira (by request) and the petitioners listed in the file.
  • If enacted, S.280 would substantially curtail horse racing and associated wagering activity in Massachusetts, shifting regulatory authority away from approving new racing and simulcasting operations.

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

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