The bill amends various sections of the Washington horse racing laws, specifically RCW 67.16, to update definitions, licensing requirements, and financial regulations related to horse racing and parimutuel wagering. Key changes include clarifying terms such as "commission," "parimutuel machine," and "parimutuel wagering," which now explicitly define the roles and functions of these entities. The composition of the Washington horse racing commission is modified by removing the requirement for one commissioner to be a breeder of racehorses. Additionally, new financial guidelines are established for licensing fees and the distribution of funds collected from parimutuel machines, including provisions for unspent funds to be allocated to equestrian nonprofit organizations or deposited into the state fair fund.

The bill also introduces provisions for class 1 racing associations, allowing them to conduct parimutuel wagering at satellite locations, contingent upon having conducted at least one full live racing season and maintaining an annual live race meet. The commission is empowered to approve these satellite locations, with restrictions on their proximity to existing racing facilities. Furthermore, the definition of class 1 racing associations is expanded to include licensed advanced deposit wagering companies, and the bill increases the maximum expenditure from the Washington horse racing commission operating account for supporting the equine industry from $300,000 to $500,000 per fiscal year. This funding aims to develop the equine industry, maintain racing facilities, and assist equine health research, with a focus on supporting nonprofit race meets.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 67.16.010, 67.16.012, 67.16.050, 67.16.070, 67.16.100, 67.16.101, 67.16.102, 67.16.105, 67.16.140, 67.16.160, 67.16.170, 67.16.175, 67.16.251, 67.16.280