H.B. No. 5013 proposes comprehensive changes to the regulation of dog racing in Texas, specifically banning all forms of live dog racing, including greyhound racing. The bill deletes references to greyhound racing from various sections of the Government Code and Occupations Code, including those related to the Texas Racing Commission's responsibilities and licensing. It introduces new provisions that explicitly prohibit dog racing and outlines the commission's role in enforcing this ban. Additionally, the bill modifies the composition of the Texas Racing Commission to increase the number of members with expertise in horse racing while removing the requirement for members knowledgeable in greyhound racing, signaling a shift in focus towards horse racing.

The bill further amends the Occupations Code to exclusively legalize pari-mutuel wagering on horse races, eliminating any references to greyhound racing. It requires petitions and ballots for local option elections to specify horse racing, and repeals sections related to greyhound racing while allowing greyhound racetrack associations to apply for conversion to horse racing licenses under certain conditions. The Texas Racing Commission is tasked with adopting necessary rules to implement these changes, which will take effect on September 1, 2025, applying only to conduct and offenses occurring after that date.

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 (Tax Code 11, Occupations Code 2027, Occupations Code 2021, Occupations Code 2026, Occupations Code 2035, Occupations Code 2033, Government Code 481, Occupations Code 2022, Occupations Code 2023, Occupations Code 2025, Occupations Code 2024, Occupations Code 2028, Health and Safety Code 751)