2002 Cal-bred News

Bob Fox Legislative Update

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Sept. 27, 2002) - Here is a recap of the racing-related bills signed this week by Governor Gray Davis.

AB 1316, by Assemblymember Dick Dickerson (R-Redding), authorizes Shasta County to relocate its existing satellite wagering facility to a location within the geographical boundaries of the fair's district. This is contingent upon the approval of the Department of Food and Agriculture and the California Horse Racing Board.

AB 2384, by the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization, provides that a portion of the money allocated for purses in harness race meetings may be used to pay for obtaining, providing or defraying the cost of workers' compensation coverage for stable employees and drivers. This bill requires a written agreement between the racing associations and horsemen, subject to approval by the California Horse Racing Board.

AB 2554, by Assemblymember Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark), authorizes the Solano County Fair, contingent upon approval by the California Horse Racing Board, to run its fair race meeting at another northern zone location within or outside Solano County in the event the Solano County Fair closes its race track.

AB 2619, by Assemblymember Tony Strickland (R-Moorpark), changes the definition of horse trainer to mean a person currently licensed by the California Horse Racing Board as a trainer. This bill also allocates three positions on the Board of Directors of the Thoroughbred Owners of California to individuals who train horses.

AB 2869, by Assemblymember Jerome Horton (D-Inglewood), permits the California Horse Racing Board to authorize any racing association licensed to conduct quarter horse racing to also conduct mule racing. The bill would also allow thoroughbred racing associations and horsemen participating in the race meeting to agree to lower the takeout for purses and association commissions.

AB 2931, by Assemblymember Jerome Horton (D-Inglewood), provides a funding mechanism to establish a worker's compensation program by using an existing funding source generated from industry programs to offset the cost of workers' compensation insurance for jockeys of thoroughbred trainers and stable employees.

SB 1337, by Senator Edward Vincent (D-Inglewood), increases the amount designated from charity day racing from 20 percent to 40 percent, up to a maximum of $2 million, to be provided as an endowment for a nonprofit corporation or trust, which would assist disabled jockeys. In addition, another five percent would be provided to a nonprofit corporation to assist horsemen and backstretch personnel affected by alcohol or substance abuse.