The original instrument was prepared by Alan Miller. The following digest, which
does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by Michelle D.
Ridge.
DIGEST
SB 160 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Cortez
Present law provides for specific duties of the Louisiana State Racing Commission (LSRC).
Present law provides that one duty is for the LSRC to make rules and regulations providing for
minimum full-time and seasonal employment requirements including but not limited to food
services, marketing, pari-mutuel windows, and kiosk repair staffing in order for the association or
licensee to conduct race meets at a particular track.
Proposed law changes the present law duty to provide for rule making for full-time and seasonal
employment recommendations for pari-mutuel windows and kiosk repair staffing in order for the
association or licensee to conduct race meets at a particular track.
Proposed law retains present law, but also prohibits the LSRC from making rules regarding the
operation or hours of operation of a racetrack other than matters necessary to the holding of such race
meetings and pari-mutuel wagering.
Present law requires that, after July 1, 2023, each association (operator of a live horse racing track)
shall deposit 10% of their gross profits into a facility maintenance fund established by the association
to pay for all LSRC-required facility maintenance and improvements and that such deposits shall
continue until LSRC finds the association in compliance with the facility maintenance and
improvement investments. Provides that the deposits shall be made at the same time as the state tax
is paid. Provides that once the initial facility maintenance and improvements are completed to the
satisfaction of LSRC, each association shall continue to maintain a minimum fund balance of $3M
in the account. Provides that for an association that is in compliance with LSRC's minimum
standards and infrastructure investments, the LSRC may by a 2/3 vote exempt an association making
deposits, maintaining a minimum fund balance, or allow the balance to be withdrawn or reduced.
Proposed law changes present law to require the deposit of 10% of gross profits only if the
association is found by LSRC not to be in compliance with the minimum standards and infrastructure
investments and provides that, in those instances, the deposits are capped at $3M.
Present law provides that a license from the La. Gaming Control Board (LGCB) to conduct slot
machine gaming at a race track shall be for a 5-year term and any renewals are for 5-year terms.
Present law provides an exception in instances where the LSRC notifies LGCB that it has determined
that its licensed live racing track is not in compliance with LSRC standards on facility maintenance
and improvements. Allows the LGCB to grant or renew a license for a probationary period not to
exceed one year. Provides that, barring extenuating circumstances, the probationary period shall not
be extended beyond one year and after the probationary period, LGCB shall either grant or renew the license or revoke it.
Proposed law changes the exception to provide that, in such instances of an LSRC's determination
of an applicant's noncompliance with LSRC standards, the LGCB may grant or renew the license for
a 5-year term or for a probationary period to be determined by LGCB.
Effective July 1, 2023.
(Amends R.S. 4:147 and 164(C)(1), and R.S. 27:361(E)(3)(a))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the original bill
1. Changes a duty of the racing commission to require the commission to make rules
providing for full-time and seasonal employment recommendations for pari-mutuel
windows and kiosk repair staffing in order for the association or licensee to conduct
race meets at a particular track.