CA AB1974

Creates the Horse and Jockey Safety and Welfare Account in the State Treasury funded by racing license fees and penalty/fine moneys from horse race meetings, continuously appropriated to the California Horse Racing Board for equine safety measures including veterinarians, stewards, and infrastructure support.

Establishes mandatory veterinary monitoring of horses during morning training and prohibits trainers from administering medication to racehorses unless specifically prescribed for that horse and approved by board regulations; also prohibits applying topical pain-relieving medication to horses' feet on racing day.

Requires horses 4 years or older with no recent racing history (365+ days) to pass a veterinary examination and postwork blood test before racing, and must race within 30 days of meeting these requirements.

Codifies regulations for the Veterinarian's List with minimum hold periods: 15 days for first unsound/lame placement, 45 days for second, 75 days for third, and 180 days for fourth placement within a 365-day period.

Mandates the California Horse Racing Board establish a confidential whistleblower program allowing owners, trainers, jockeys, and stable employees to report health and safety concerns relating to humans and horses.