House File 2615 amends Section 99D.7 of the Iowa Code to establish clear standards for the duration and scheduling of thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons. The bill specifies that a thoroughbred racing season must last at least sixty-seven days, while a quarter horse racing season must last at least twenty-six days. It removes the previous requirement that these racing seasons could only run independently unless there was mutual agreement between the associations representing the horse owners and the racetrack licensee in Polk County.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 99D.7A, which mandates that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be conducted as separate, stand-alone meets without overlapping schedules. Races for one breed cannot occur on the same day as races for the other breed, and the season for one breed cannot start until the other has concluded, unless a written agreement is made. The bill also clarifies that any arrangement allowing for overlapping races would be classified as a mixed meet and would require mutual written consent. This legislative change aims to ensure compliance with the independent racing requirements outlined in the existing law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 99D.7
Enrolled: 99D.7