SB 777 Summary

• Reestablishes requirement for thoroughbred racing associations and fairs to deduct an additional 0.5 percent from exotic parimutuel pools to fund workers' compensation insurance costs for thoroughbred horses, trainers, and owners.

• Authorizes quarter horse racing associations to deduct an additional 0.5 percent from exotic parimutuel pools with horsemen approval, and harness racing associations to deduct an additional 1 percent from conventional parimutuel pools with horsemen approval, for workers' compensation insurance costs.

• Authorizes fairs to deduct an additional 0.5 percent from exotic parimutuel pools for non-thoroughbred horse races with breed horsemen approval, with funds used to defray workers' compensation insurance costs.

• Requires formation of governing organizations with voting representation from racing associations, horsemen organizations, and trainers to oversee collection and distribution of these deducted funds.

• Took effect immediately as an urgency statute upon approval on March 28, 2014.