HB 2898 Summary

• Amends section 3-1005 to revise the Arizona Exposition and State Fair Board permanent revolving fund, increasing the standard limit from $60,000 to $60,000 and the fair-period limit from $400,000 to $400,000, with the fair period extended to fifteen days before and after the annual Arizona state fair.

• Modifies section 5-572 to increase the deposit to the Arizona Competes Fund from $1,750,000 to $3,500,000 annually from remaining state lottery funds, effective June 30, 2027.

• Establishes a temporary regulatory assessment for fiscal year 2024-2025 requiring commercial racing permittees to pay an additional 0.5 percent assessment on pari-mutuel wagering amounts to the Department of Gaming.

• Allows first-time starter horses to race in 2024 and 2025 race meetings if they have gate approval and at least two timed workouts, including an out-of-the-gate workout within sixty days of the race; this provision repeals December 31, 2025.