Requires harness racetrack locations awarded a gaming facility license maintain live racing activity.
Impact
The enactment of A07802 is expected to have significant implications for the racing industry in New York. By compelling licensed racetracks to continue hosting live races, the bill supports the preservation of harness racing as a culturally significant and economically beneficial activity. This measure is likely intended to revitalise the sport, which has seen fluctuating interest and participation over the years. Furthermore, the legislation is designed to safeguard jobs associated with live racing events, from racetrack employees to those involved in breeding and training racehorses.
Summary
Bill A07802 proposes amendments to the racing, pari-mutuel wagering, and breeding law in the state of New York, specifically targeting harness racetracks. It mandates that any harness racetrack awarded a gaming facility license must maintain live racing activities and adhere to defined race dates. This requirement is aimed at ensuring that licensed facilities continue to operate in a way that supports the integrity and ongoing existence of harness racing in the state.
Contention
There may be varying opinions on the necessity and effectiveness of such a legislative measure. Proponents of A07802 are likely to argue that it is crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of the racing community and ensuring that licensed facilities fulfill their role in promoting sportsmanship and local entertainment. Conversely, opponents might raise concerns about potential financial burdens on racetracks, especially smaller ones, that might struggle to comply with the mandate of hosting live events regularly. Additionally, there are considerations regarding how this bill interacts with other regulations and laws governing gaming and horse racing in the state.
Relates to payments in support of racing; sets up a payment applicants must pay if they are issued a gaming facility license and they do not possess either a pari-mutuel wagering license or franchise award.
Relates to horsemen's health, welfare, pension and administrative benefits for harness racing licensees in the absence of contractual obligations; requires that in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall as a condition of racing require an association or corporation to withhold and pay eight percent of all unpaid and existing monies and to pay such sum to the horsemen's organization quarterly at facilities located in Westchester and Nassau county.
Relates to horsemen's health, welfare, pension and administrative benefits for harness racing licensees in the absence of contractual obligations; requires that in the absence of a contract between the licensed harness racing corporation or association and the representative horsemen's organization, the state gaming commission shall as a condition of racing require an association or corporation to withhold and pay eight percent of all unpaid and existing monies and to pay such sum to the horsemen's organization quarterly at facilities located in Westchester and Nassau county.
Establishes the water-based fire protection licensure act, setting forth licensure requirements for contractors engaged in the business of the layout, installing, repairing, inspecting, testing, or maintaining of water-based fire protection systems and components.
Establishes the water-based fire protection licensure act, setting forth licensure requirements for contractors engaged in the business of the layout, installing, repairing, inspecting, testing, or maintaining of water-based fire protection systems and components.