The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the operational and financial framework of the Greene County Racing Commission. Key changes include an increase in annual compensation for commission members, determined by the local legislative delegation, and a new residency requirement mandating that commissioners must have lived in Alabama for at least five years prior to their appointment. The bill also removes previous restrictions on the number of authorized racing days, increases the maximum annual license fee for racetrack operations from $1,000 to $25,000, and introduces new duties for commission members, including the requirement for at least one member to be present or on call during each 24-hour pari-mutuel day. Additionally, it repeals Section 45-32-150.19 concerning the manipulation of racing outcomes and ensures that all commission records are public. Further amendments include the specification that licenses are non-transferable and applicable only to designated locations, allowing the commission to issue up to two racetrack or pari-mutuel licenses that can operate concurrently. The bill streamlines the license renewal process and requires that 75% of racetrack employees be bona fide residents of Greene County. It also imposes a 4% tax on total contributions to simulcast pari-mutuel pools and allocates funds from fees and taxes to various local entities, including a new provision that two percent of the appropriated funds will go to the local legislative delegation. The bill repeals the prohibition against transmitting information related to greyhound races during a specified timeframe, as outlined in Section 45-32-150.20, and recognizes the legality of computerized machines for historical horse racing, establishing a local tax rate of up to four percent on the handle from this wagering. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150, 45-32-150