The bill SB90 Engrossed amends various sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the operational framework of the Greene County Racing Commission and adjust member compensation. Key provisions include an increase in annual compensation for commission members, which will now be determined by the local legislative delegation instead of a fixed amount. The bill also establishes a residency requirement, mandating that commission members must have resided in Alabama for at least five years prior to their appointment. Additionally, it allows the commission to employ assistants and employees, with their compensation funded by the commission's collected revenues. Significant deletions from current law include the removal of restrictions on the number of authorized racing days and the repeal of sections related to license suspension and manipulation of racing outcomes, thereby streamlining regulatory processes.

Furthermore, SB90 Engrossed modifies the licensing structure for racetracks and pari-mutuel pools, removing the previous cap on annual license fees and allowing the commission to set fees up to $25,000. The bill also outlines qualifications for applicants, including residency requirements, and grants the commission authority to revoke licenses for regulatory violations. It introduces a new tax structure for pari-mutuel pools and revises the distribution of funds collected from fees and taxes, reducing allocations to the Greene County Commission while increasing funding for the Greene County Hospital Board and other local services. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the regulatory framework for racing operations, enhance funding for essential services, and ensure competitiveness with other racetracks in Alabama.

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