The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to update the governance and operational regulations 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, and a new residency requirement mandating that members must have lived in Alabama for at least five years prior to their appointment. The bill also removes previous restrictions on the number of racing days and increases license fees for operating racetracks or obtaining pari-mutuel licenses. Additionally, it clarifies the duties of commission members, ensuring at least one member is present or on call during each 24-hour pari-mutuel day, and mandates that all commission records are public and accessible during normal business hours.

Further amendments focus on licensing and tax structures for racetracks and pari-mutuel pools. The bill eliminates the previous cap on annual license fees, allowing the commission to establish a new fee structure with a maximum of $25,000. It also introduces a tax of four percent on total contributions to simulcast pari-mutuel pools and ten percent for historical horse racing, with a maximum of fifteen percent. The allocation of funds from taxes and fees is adjusted, reducing the maximum annual distribution to the Greene County Commission from $200,000 to $50,000, while redistributing remaining funds to various local services. The bill also repeals sections related to license suspension and manipulation of race outcomes, aiming to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure the integrity of racing operations in Greene County.

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