Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020
Latest action (9 Sep 2020): Introduced
What this bill does
This bill, introduced in the Senate, aims to create a new framework for horseracing. It would establish a private, independent organization called the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. This Authority would be responsible for developing and enforcing nationwide anti-doping and medication control programs, as well as racetrack safety standards for horses involved in races that affect interstate commerce.
The proposed legislation would affect individuals and entities involved in horseracing, including trainers, owners, jockeys, veterinarians, and racetracks. It outlines requirements for these covered persons to register with the Authority and adhere to its rules regarding horse welfare and safety. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have oversight over the Authority, reviewing its proposed rules and standards.
As this bill has just been introduced, it is in the earliest stage of the legislative process. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From there, it could be considered by the committee, potentially amended, and then moved to the full Senate for a vote. If passed by the Senate, it would then need to go through a similar process in the House of Representatives before it could be sent to the President to be signed into law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020
This bill recognizes the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority for purposes of developing and implementing a horseracing anti-doping and medication control program and a racetrack safety program.
The authority shall establish an anti-doping and medication control standing committee and a racetrack safety standing committee to provide guidance to the authority on the development and maintenance of the programs.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall have oversight over the authority. The authority shall submit to the FTC any proposed rule, standard, or procedure developed by the authority to carry out the horseracing anti-doping and medication control program or the racetrack safety program. The authority shall seek to enter into an agreement with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency or an entity equal in qualification under which the entity acts as the anti-doping and medication control enforcement agency under this bill.
Among the required elements of the horseracing safety program are sets of training and racing safety standards consistent with the humane treatment of horses, a system to maintain track surface quality, programs for injury and fatality analysis, investigation and disciplinary procedures, and an evaluation and accreditation program.
The bill sets forth other provisions regarding (1) funding, conflicts of interest, and jurisdiction; (2) registration with the authority; (3) program enforcement; (4) rule violations and civil sanctions; (5) testing laboratories; (6) review of final decisions of the authority by an administrative law judge; (7) unfair or deceptive acts or practices; and (8) agreements with state racing commissions.
Common questions
- What does S. 4547 do?
- This bill, introduced in the Senate, aims to create a new framework for horseracing. It would establish a private, independent organization called the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. This Authority would be responsible for developing and enforcing nationwide anti-doping and medication control programs, as well as racetrack safety standards for horses involved in races that affect interstate commerce. The proposed legislation would affect individuals and entities involved in horseracing, including trainers, owners, jockeys, veterinarians, and racetracks. It outlines requirements for these covered persons to register with the Authority and adhere to its rules regarding horse welfare and safety. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would have oversight over the Authority, reviewing its proposed rules and standards. As this bill has just been introduced, it is in the earliest stage of the legislative process. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. From there, it could be considered by the committee, potentially amended, and then moved to the full Senate for a vote. If passed by the Senate, it would then need to go through a similar process in the House of Representatives before it could be sent to the President to be signed into law.
- Has S. 4547 become law?
- Not yet. As of 9 Sep 2020, S. 4547 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 4547?
- S. 4547 was sponsored by Sen. Mitch McConnell [R-KY] (Republican-KY), with 7 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4547?
- Introduced (9 Sep 2020).
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