H.B. No. 5013 proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the regulation of dog racing, specifically greyhound racing, in Texas, effectively prohibiting all forms of live dog racing in the state. The bill amends various sections of the Government Code and Occupations Code, removing references to greyhound racing from the Texas Racing Commission's responsibilities, definitions, and licensing regulations. It emphasizes the commission's focus solely on horse racing, eliminating any regulatory framework for greyhound racing. Additionally, the bill mandates cooperation with law enforcement to investigate unlawful dog racing activities and adjusts the commission's composition by removing the requirement for a member with expertise in greyhound racing.

The bill also revises regulations related to pari-mutuel wagering, explicitly prohibiting wagers on greyhound races and focusing solely on horse racing. It modifies the election process for legalizing pari-mutuel wagering to reflect this change, requiring petitions and ballots to pertain only to horse racing. Furthermore, it allows greyhound racetrack associations to apply for conversion to horse racing licenses under specific conditions and clarifies that the new regulations will apply only to conduct occurring on or after September 1, 2025. Overall, H.B. No. 5013 aims to streamline the legal framework surrounding pari-mutuel wagering by concentrating exclusively on horse racing and phasing out greyhound racing.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 481.172, Health and Safety Code 751.0021, Occupations Code 2021.002, Occupations Code 2021.003, Occupations Code 2022.001, Occupations Code 2022.004, Occupations Code 2022.052, Occupations Code 2023.001, Occupations Code 2023.002, Occupations Code 2023.004, Occupations Code 2023.056, Occupations Code 2023.061, Occupations Code 2023.101, Occupations Code 2024.055, Occupations Code 2025.051, Occupations Code 2025.053, Occupations Code 2025.101, Occupations Code 2025.201, Occupations Code 2025.262, Occupations Code 2026.003, Occupations Code 2026.004, Occupations Code 2026.011, Occupations Code 2027.001, Occupations Code 2027.002, Occupations Code 2027.006, Occupations Code 2027.102, Occupations Code 2028.051, Occupations Code 2028.202, Occupations Code 2033.002, Occupations Code 2033.003, Occupations Code 2033.004, Occupations Code 2033.008, Occupations Code 2033.013, Occupations Code 2033.014, Occupations Code 2033.015, Occupations Code 2033.016, Occupations Code 2035.001, Occupations Code 2035.002, Occupations Code 2035.003, Occupations Code 2035.005, Occupations Code 2035.006, Occupations Code 2035.015, Occupations Code 2035.016, Occupations Code 2035.105, Tax Code 11.23 (Occupations Code 2027, Occupations Code 2025, Health and Safety Code 751, Government Code 481, Occupations Code 2028, Occupations Code 2033, Occupations Code 2023, Occupations Code 2035, Tax Code 11, Occupations Code 2026, Occupations Code 2022, Occupations Code 2021, Occupations Code 2024)