BILL NUMBER: S2612B
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in
relation to welfare, medical, and retirement plans provided by a
horsemen's organization in the absence of contractual obligations
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to ensure that. New York State harness
horsemen will be able to have health insurance and other benefits admin-
istered during contract negotiations.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Subparagraph (ii) of paragraph a and b of subdivision
1 of section 318 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law,
to state that the amount previously negotiated shall be withheld from
harness purse payments to cover health insurance, pensions and the
administration of these and other benefits for horsemen at all facili-
ties in New York State.
Section 2: The effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Under current law, health insurance, pensions and administrative costs
are covered under contract with management; but in certain situations,
horsemen are racing for an extended period without a contract, which
means that they have no way to pay for these critically important bene-
fits for their families. Section 318 of the State racing law would be
amended to mandate that 8% of purse payments be withheld to cover health
insurance, pensions and administration of these benefits should horsemen
be racing without a contract. It should be noted that this proposed
change does not impact on the tracks in any manner, as the funds being
withheld are solely from the horseman's own purse money.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023: S1611A - Referred to Racing, Gaming and Wagering
2024: S1611A - Referred to Racing, Gaming and Wagering, Passed Both
Houses; Vetoed by Governor.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.