Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB2965

Introduced
2/5/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Report Pass
2/12/24  
Engrossed
3/12/24  
Refer
3/19/24  
Report Pass
4/1/24  
Enrolled
5/8/24  

Caption

Horse racing; televised races; racetracks; out-of-state; out-of-country; effective date.

Impact

The bill's adjustments to the Oklahoma Horse Racing Act are expected to enhance the operational landscape for racetracks by aligning regulatory practices with contemporary broadcasting models. By permitting the live transmission of races to out-of-state and out-of-country locations, the bill may lead to increased competition among racetracks and could potentially stimulate local economies through tourism and betting revenue. However, the successful implementation of these provisions will depend on the defined regulations from the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission, which will oversee compliance and standards related to these broadcasting rights.

Summary

House Bill 2965 addresses various aspects of horse racing regulation in Oklahoma. Specifically, it modifies provisions related to the movement of starting gates and allows for the televising of certain races at licensed racetracks either within or outside of the state. This legislative change aims to modernize the practices of horse racing in Oklahoma, providing an avenue for greater exposure and interaction with audiences beyond state borders, potentially increasing revenue through broader betting opportunities and viewership.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2965 appears to be generally positive among the supporters within the horse racing community, who view the potential for expanded markets and increased revenue as beneficial. Proponents argue that this modernization is essential for the relevance and sustainability of horse racing in Oklahoma. On the other hand, there may be reservations regarding the implications of broadcasting rights and their management, which could lead to calls for transparency and fairness in how these rights are allocated among competing racetracks.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the practical aspects of the bill's enforcement and the regulations put forth by the Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission. Stakeholders could express concerns over how the broadcasting rights will impact smaller tracks or less popular races, and whether these changes will create disparities in financial success between major and minor racing venues. Additionally, the provisions regarding the application process for organization licenses and the penalties for non-compliance could spark debate around equity and accessibility in the horse racing industry in Oklahoma.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB1395

Amusements and sports; Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission; funds; starting gates; effective date.

OK HB1027

Amusements and sports; state-tribal gaming; exception; model tribal gaming compact supplement; sports pools; term; fees; procedures; effective date.

OK HB1403

Amusements and sports; Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission; appointment; effective date; emergency.

OK SB782

State government; changing name of certain commission; certain regulations for certain special license plates. Effective date.

OK SB603

Aircraft registration and tax; transferring certain authorities and duties to Service Oklahoma. Effective date.

OK SB623

Motor vehicles; modifying references to Service Oklahoma. Effective date. Emergency.

OK SB927

Oklahoma Real Estate License Code; updating powers and duties of Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK HB2244

Motor vehicles; dealer management providers; protected dealer data; data management system; effective date.

OK HB1837

Motor vehicles; modifying name of responsible agency; modifying length of issuance for commercial learner permits; repealer; effective date; emergency.

Similar Bills

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Sentencing Modernization Act of 2024; classifications; punishment provisions; time-served requirements; effective date.

OK HB1792

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2023; effective date.

OK SB1590

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2022. Effective date.

OK HB3455

Classification of felony offenses; creating the Oklahoma Crime Reclassification Act of 2024; requiring persons who commit criminal offenses to be classified in accordance with certain structure; codification; effective date.

OK SB881

Crimes and punishments; authorizing certain petition under certain circumstances. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK SB622

Motor vehicles; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency. Effective date.

OK HB1839

Motor vehicles; modifying definition; making Service Oklahoma a separate and distinct agency; effective date.