The bill aims to enhance the funding and regulation of legalized horse racing and recreational horse use in Washington state. It introduces a new section allowing the Washington horse racing commission to impose reasonable fees in compliance with the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020. Additionally, it amends existing laws to specify that licenses for race meets must include a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11 live races per day, with a daily fee of $200. The bill also outlines the conditions under which license fees may be refunded if unforeseen obstacles prevent the completion of a race meet.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the Washington horse racing commission operating account to require a transfer of $1,350,000 from the general fund during the 2024 state fiscal year. It stipulates that expenditures from this account must cover the commission's operating expenses and be allocated for grants to nonprofit equine rescue organizations and support for nonprofit race meets. The commission is tasked with reporting annually on the use of grant funds and the criteria for grant awards. If specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2024, the act will become null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 67.16.050, 67.16.280
Substitute Bill: 67.16.050, 67.16.280, 67.16.105
Second Substitute: 67.16.050, 67.16.280