This bill allows municipalities to hold a referendum to decide whether to permit the sale of pari-mutuel wagers on historic horse racing. It introduces a new section, RSA 284:22-c, which outlines the process for towns and cities to place the question on their ballots. Towns can include the question in their annual town meeting warrants, while cities can either vote to place it on the ballot or do so in response to a petition from registered voters. A public hearing must be held prior to the vote, and if a majority votes "Yes," licensed entities may offer these wagers. If the question is not approved, it can be revisited in future elections.

Additionally, the bill amends RSA 284:22-b to specify that no new licenses for selling pari-mutuel pools on historic horse races will be issued in municipalities that have not approved such operations, except for those already licensed as of the effective date of this amendment. The bill also allows unincorporated places to permit these wagers through a majority vote of the county delegation after a public hearing. The effective date for this act is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 284:22-b
As Amended by the House: 284:22-b