BILL NUMBER: S2618A
SPONSOR: ADDABBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in
relation to the creation of the jockey health insurance reserve fund
 
PURPOSE:
Authorizes the establishment of an additional segregated account for the
creation of a reserve fund to pay for the payment of premiums not yet
paid.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of this bill amends section 221-a of the racing, pari-mutuel
wagering and breeding law.
Section 2 of this bill provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York first authorized the creation of a health insurance program for
Thoroughbred jockeys with a dedicated funding stream in 2014. To be
eligible, jockeys must have ridden a certain number of races at New York
racetracks. The program also covers qualified retired jockeys. Thorough-
bred jockeys in New York meeting these requirements are eligible for
health insurance coverage. Eligibility can vary year to year and unex-
pected circumstances can arise. To ensure program stability, this legis-
lation would allow for the creation of a reserve fund to pay for the
payment of premiums not yet paid.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024: S9222 - Referred to Racing, Gaming and Wagering, Passed Senate,
Delivered to Assembly, Referred to Racing and Gaming
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.