The bill SB90 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the operational and financial structure of the Greene County Racing Commission. Key changes include an increase in annual compensation for commission members, which will now be determined by the local legislative delegation instead of a fixed amount of $25,000. A new residency requirement mandates that commission members must have lived in Alabama for at least five years prior to their appointment. The bill also repeals sections related to the suspension or revocation of licenses and manipulation of racing outcomes, streamlining the regulatory framework. Additionally, it removes restrictions on the number of racing days authorized, allowing for greater flexibility in scheduling events, and establishes a local tax on pari-mutuel wagering with specified revenue distribution.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the licensing structure for racetracks and pari-mutuel pools by removing the previous cap on annual license fees, allowing the commission to set a new fee not exceeding $25,000. It introduces new eligibility criteria for applicants, including residency requirements, and grants the commission authority to revoke licenses and impose fines for violations. The bill also revises the distribution of funds collected from fees and taxes, reducing the maximum annual distribution to the Greene County Commission for jail and courthouse facilities from $200,000 to $50,000, while reallocating funds to various local entities. New allocations are established for law enforcement, fire departments, and community services, and regulations regarding pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing are introduced, including a local tax rate of up to 15%. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

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
Engrossed: 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