NY A07731

Authorizes the New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund to elect (with gaming commission approval) to secure workers' compensation insurance coverage for licensed employees of licensed trainers, in addition to jockeys, apprentice jockeys, and exercise persons.

Defines "licensed employees of licensed trainers" to include assistant trainers, foremen, watchmen, and stable employees including grooms and hotwalkers.

Allows the fund to elect to secure workers' compensation insurance through self-insurance methods, including pursuant to subdivision three of section fifty of the workers' compensation law.

Expands the definition of "employer" under workers' compensation law to include the fund and all licensed owners and trainers when coverage is elected, making the fund liable for workers' compensation benefits to trainer employees in addition to jockeys and exercise persons.

Clarifies that the responsible owner or trainer bears sole responsibility for double compensation payments exceeding standard workers' compensation benefits, with the fund liable only if the responsible owner or trainer fails to pay the awarded amount.