This bill amends the Horse Racing Act to establish a State Racing Commission Nominating Committee and outlines the process for selecting members of the State Racing Commission. The commission will consist of five members, appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate, from a list of qualified nominees provided by the newly created nominating committee. The committee will include nine members knowledgeable about horse racing, who are not affiliated with the commission or board, and will be responsible for submitting a list of nominees for commission vacancies. The bill also specifies that at least three commission members must be practical breeders of racehorses in New Mexico.

Additionally, the bill introduces qualifications for the executive director of the State Racing Commission, who must have at least five years of supervisory administrative experience in a governmental gaming regulatory agency and must not have any financial interest in a racetrack. The commission is granted various powers, including the ability to grant or deny licenses, conduct investigations, and oversee horse racing operations in the state. The effective date for the provisions of this act is set for July 1, 2025.

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