The bill amends the New Mexico Horse Racing Act to enhance the regulatory framework governing horse racing and gaming operations. Key changes include the commission's expanded authority to grant, deny, suspend, or revoke racetrack and gaming operator licenses, as well as to approve racing dates and require detailed applicant information. A significant new provision classifies racetrack licenses and mandates the commission to adopt rules for this classification. Additionally, the term for racetrack licenses is extended from one year to three years, streamlining the renewal process. The bill also establishes confidentiality for communications and documents submitted by applicants or licensees, ensuring that such information remains protected unless consent is given or a lawful court order is obtained.

Moreover, the bill modifies the distribution of funds from pari-mutuel ticket sales, reallocating money from unredeemed winning tickets and unrefunded pari-mutuel tickets to the racetrack licensee, the New Mexico horse breeders' association, and a designated organization by the commission, replacing the previous allocation to the New Mexico horsemen's association. It introduces a requirement for the commission to audit these distributions and clarifies the conditions under which a racetrack's gaming operator license may become void. The licensing process for gaming operators is also adjusted, with licenses now reviewed every three years instead of annually, and specific conditions for racetrack operations of gaming machines are outlined, including the number of live race days required and operational hours.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 60-1A-4, 60-1A-6, 60-1A-8, 60-1A-18, 60-1A-19, 60-1A-20, 60-1A-21, 60-2E-14, 60-2E-27