HB 5600 Summary

• Transfers horse racing regulatory authority from the racing commissioner office to the Michigan Gaming Control Board's executive director.

• Eliminates previous requirements for minimum live racing days and changes simulcast purse contribution from 40% to 25% of net commission revenue for licensed horsemen's organizations.

• Increases breeders' awards from 10% to 20% of gross purses for Michigan-bred horses across all breeds (standardbred, thoroughbred, quarter horse, Appaloosa, and Arabian).

• Modifies drug testing and enforcement provisions for racehorses, including stricter penalties for unauthorized drug administration (up to 5 years imprisonment for felonies) and expanded postmortem examination requirements.

• Adds new provisions for horsemen's organization licensing, simulcast purse account management, and escrow distribution procedures for race meeting funds.