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 this question on their ballots. The process includes public hearings and specific wording for the ballot question. If a majority of voters approve the measure, licensed entities may offer these wagers within the municipality. Additionally, if the question is not approved, it can be revisited in future elections. The bill also allows unincorporated places to permit such wagers through a majority vote of the county delegation after a public hearing.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 284:22-b by inserting a new paragraph that restricts the issuance of licenses for pari-mutuel pools on historic horse races to entities already licensed or eligible for licensure as of the effective date of this paragraph, specifically within municipalities that have not yet approved such operations. 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