Michigan Senate Bill SB0411

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/27/23
• Refer: 6/27/23

Caption

Gaming: horse racing; breeders' awards, purses, and grants from the agriculture equine development fund; modify. Amends secs. 2, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 20a & 22 of 1995 PA 279 (MCL 431.302 et seq.) & repeals sec. 19b of 1995 PA 279 (MCL 431.319b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0413'23, SB 0412'23, SB 0414'23

Impact

The proposed changes in SB 411 are intended to secure and potentially increase the economic viability of the equine industry in Michigan. By adjusting tax allocations from wagers and eliminating certain taxes on live racing programs, the bill seeks to boost the revenue available for purses at licensed race meetings. This financial support is crucial for encouraging horse breeding within the state and ensuring that racing events can attract quality participants. The amendments also outline a more transparent process for fund distribution and the usage of surplus funds to enhance the industry's overall infrastructure.

Summary

Senate Bill 411 amends the Horse Racing Law of 1995, specifically targeting the regulations surrounding the funding and administration of the Michigan agriculture equine industry development fund. The bill aims to enhance the financial structure supporting horse racing and breeding by modifying sections that stipulate how funds are allocated for breeding awards, purses, and grants. It also presents provisions to ensure that any surplus generated in the fund is used effectively to support equine initiatives and related industries in Michigan.

Contention

There are potential points of contention regarding how the bill redistributes funds and whether it adequately provides support to smaller racing events and local stakeholders. Critics may argue that by focusing on larger racing tracks and entities, the bill could inadvertently marginalize smaller fairs and local horsemen’s organizations. Additionally, the implication of tying the bill's enactment to the approval of complementary Senate Bills could raise concerns regarding legislative maneuvering and the stacking of unrelated issues, which may complicate the consensus needed for passing this legislation.