The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend several sections of the Arizona Revised Statutes related to amusements, specifically focusing on the management of funds and regulatory assessments. It would require the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission to deposit license fees into the Unarmed Combat Subaccount within the Racing Regulation Fund, rather than directly into the fund itself. Additionally, the Department of Gaming would be mandated to establish a regulatory assessment of 0.5 percent on amounts wagered by commercial racing permittees, which would be collected from pari-mutuel pools. The bill also introduces new provisions allowing first-time starter horses to race under specific conditions and sets a timeline for these provisions to be repealed after 2026.

Furthermore, the bill allows liquor producers or wholesalers to sponsor and advertise at concerts held at temporary extensions of licensed premises, provided certain occupancy and location criteria are met. This sponsorship provision is set to expire on December 31, 2027. The bill also includes technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, ensuring that the updates align with the overall legislative framework. Overall, these changes aim to facilitate the implementation of the FY 2026 state budget while ensuring proper management of funds and regulatory practices within the amusement sector.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-113.01, 5-226, 5-230, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190, 5-229
Senate Engrossed Version: 5-113.01, 5-226, 5-230, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190, 5-229
Chaptered Version: 5-113.01, 5-226, 5-230, 35-146, 35-147, 35-190, 5-229