The bill amends the Horse Racing Act to establish a State Racing Commission Nominating Committee, which will be responsible for creating a list of qualified nominees for the State Racing Commission. The commission will consist of five members, with at least three being practical breeders of racehorses in New Mexico. The governor will appoint commission members from this list, ensuring that no more than three members belong to the same political party. The bill also introduces new definitions, including that of the "nominating committee," and outlines the qualifications and appointment process for its members, who will be knowledgeable about horse racing and not have any financial ties to the commission or board.

Additionally, the bill specifies the powers and duties of the State Racing Commission, including the ability to grant or deny licenses, supervise pari-mutuel pools, and appoint an executive director. The executive director must have at least five years of supervisory experience in a governmental gaming regulatory agency and must not have any financial interest in a racetrack. The bill also includes various amendments to existing definitions and provisions within the Horse Racing Act, with an effective date set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 60-1A-2, 60-1A-3, 60-1A-4