SF1663 Summary

• Modifies racing season definition to require minimum of 25 consecutive weeks beginning before first Saturday in May, effective January 1, 2016.

• Adds new definitions including "takeout" (withheld pari-mutuel amounts), "handle" (aggregate of pari-mutuel pools), "mixed meet" (multiple horse breeds racing), "banked" (house as game participant), and "steward" (racing officials).

• Increases maximum fines imposed by stewards and commission from $2,000 to $5,000 for rule violations, effective July 1, 2016.

• Modifies class C license terms to allow minimum one year for all licenses and up to three years for certain classifications, effective July 1, 2015; extends contested case hearing timelines from 20 to 30 days.

• Allows Racing Commission director selection from candidate list submitted by the commission; adds rulemaking authority for horse testing procedures for prohibited substances; repeals outdated definitions for "average daily handle" and "full racing card."