The proposed bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia concerning dog racing requirements, primarily focusing on the licensing and operational regulations for dog racetracks. Key changes include the elimination of the minimum number of racing dates that applicants must meet to qualify for a dog racing license or to contract for telecasts and wagers. The bill mandates that a dog racetrack must hold a racing license to conduct simulcast racing, regardless of whether it continues to conduct live dog racing. Additionally, it allows racetracks to operate video lottery and table games in locations where live racing was previously held, and it removes the requirement for racetrack table games licensees to race a minimum number of dates.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for licensees who were licensed prior to January 1, 1994, allowing them to maintain their licenses without conducting live racing dates, provided they notify the Racing Commission of their intent to discontinue live racing and pay a $1 million cessation fee, which will support the care and adoption of greyhounds. The legislation also clarifies the licensing process for video lottery licenses, emphasizing the mandatory nature of requirements for applicants, including securing adequate financing and disclosing all financing arrangements. It outlines the financial obligations of licensees, including specific tax payments and contributions to employee pension plans, while also establishing operational parameters for video lottery terminals and racetrack table games licenses, ensuring compliance with public health and safety regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-23-3, 19-23-7, 19-23-12b, 29-22A-3, 29-22A-7, 29-22A-1229, 29-22C-8, 29-22C-10