The bill amends the Kansas parimutuel racing act by updating definitions and licensing requirements for racetrack facilities and organizations involved in horse and greyhound racing. Notably, it removes references to specific racetrack facilities, Eureka Downs and Anthony Downs, from the definitions of "Horsemen's association" and "Horsemen's nonprofit organization." The bill introduces provisions allowing horsemen's nonprofit organizations to apply for an organization license to conduct live horse racing, with stipulations regarding race timing and the operation of historical horse race machines. It also establishes a framework for facility owner and manager licenses, detailing application fees and deposit requirements based on proposed racing days, while ensuring that licenses are granted only to those who own existing racetracks or have submitted construction plans.

Additionally, the bill outlines disqualifying criteria for license applicants based on past conduct, mandates annual reviews of facility owner and manager licenses by the commission, and requires certified financial audits. It introduces financial provisions for the state racing fund and the Kansas horse breeding development fund, allocating a portion of taxes from historical horse race wagers to these funds. The bill also proposes the repeal of several sections of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, updates section numbering, and stipulates that the act will take effect immediately upon publication in the statute book, thereby enhancing the regulatory framework of the parimutuel racing industry in Kansas.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 74-8802, 74-8814, 74-8813, 74-8826, 74-8829, 74-8838
As Amended by Senate Committee: 74-8802, 74-8814, 74-8813, 74-8815, 74-8826, 74-8829, 74-8838