HB2898 is a budget reconciliation bill (BRB) that implements statutory and session law changes related to amusements for the FY 2025 state budget in Arizona. The bill makes several amendments to existing laws, including changing the period during which the Exposition and State Fair Board Permanent Revolving Fund's balance cap is increased to $400,000, which will now apply from 15 days before to 15 days after the annual Arizona State Fair instead of between October 1 and November 30. Additionally, the bill decreases the annual distribution from the State Lottery Fund to the Arizona Competes Fund from $3,500,000 to $1,750,000 for FY 2024-2025, with a restoration of the original amount effective July 1, 2027.

The bill also includes provisions for the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) to collect a regulatory assessment from commercial racing permittees in FY 2024-2025 and allows for first-time starter horses to race with gate approval and at least two timed workouts, one of which must be an out-of-the-gate workout conducted within 60 days of the race, for race meetings in the years 2024 and 2025. This authorization for first-time starter horses to race will be repealed after December 31, 2025. The bill includes technical changes and becomes effective on the general effective date, with some provisions having delayed effective dates.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1005, 5-572, 3-1003, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190
House Engrossed Version: 3-1005, 5-572, 3-1003, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190
Chaptered Version: 3-1005, 5-572, 3-1003, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190