Bob Fox's Legislative Update

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Aug. 29, 2002) -- With just two days left in the legislative session, there is still a great deal to be done. As usual, a number of bills will die because they will not be passed before the midnight Saturday deadline.

At this point, it doesn't appear that any bills supported by the racing industry are in jeopardy. Technical amendments have been made to several bills to address problems with language that could be in conflict with other bills and they are all on the file to be heard before the midnight deadline.

The budget is no closer to resolution, and most people believe that an agreement won't be reached until sometime in late September, or even in October.

Below is a summary of the status of legislation that we have been watching and lobbying.

AB 2554, Thomson. This bill would permit the Solano County Fair to continue operating a satellite facility if its live race meet is moved to another track. It also corrects a technical problem with the allocation of funds to the Maddy Equine Center at UCD. It passed the Senate and is in the Assembly on concurrence, after language was taken out that would have applied to the Pomona fair, if its meet is moved. There is no opposition and the bill should go to the Governor for his signature.

AB 2619, Strickland. The California Thoroughbred Trainers-sponsored bill has passed the Assembly and is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. The bill would provide for three seats on the Thoroughbred Owners of California Board for owner/trainers and the spouses of trainers who are licensed owners. There is no opposition to the bill and it is expected that it will be signed.

SB 1661, Kuehl. This is the paid family leave bill and it passed the Assembly and is now in the Senate on concurrence. It is expected that it will pass and will go to the Governor. There is considerable opposition from business and CTBA is on record as opposed. Letters of opposition from CTBA members should be sent to the Governor's office, and a letter from the association will be sent as well.

SB 1337, Vincent. SB 1337 is sponsored by the Jockeys Guild and deals with charity days proceeds. It is in the Senate on concurrence and with no opposition, it is expected to pass and go to the Governor for his signature.

AB 2689, Horton. This bill was amended on Aug. 26 and would permit mule racing at a quarter horse meet and would permit a thoroughbred racing association and the representative of the horsemen to reduce the portion deducted for commissions and purses under certain conditions. The bill is on the Senate floor and there is no opposition to it.