HB 1679 - This act revises the law on simulcasting of horse races, allowing licensees to conduct wagering on unlimited simulcasts. Simulcasting is currently allowed only for the same number of days as live racing is conducted at a track.

The act specifies that the Missouri Horse Racing Commission shall consist of five members, appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. No more than three members may be affiliated with the same political party, and they must come from different congressional districts and counties. The Commission shall be assigned to the Department of Public Safety and may hire an executive director and other employees as necessary. The Commission shall have numerous duties regarding applicants and licensees, including investigating their qualifications, denying applications, adopting standards of conduct and requiring licensees to remove certain persons from the race meeting grounds. The Commission shall also have the power to search and investigate race meeting grounds and offices without a search warrant to determine compliance.

An applicant must affirm that it will make a capital investment exceeding $10 million within the first forty-two months of licensure, and that it will conduct twenty days of live racing within the first eighteen months, thirty days of live racing during the next twelve months and fifty days of racing each year thereafter.

The act provides that revenue generated shall be deposited in the Missouri Horse Racing Fund which shall pay all commission expenses. Any surplus shall be credited to schools of the future fund.
ERIC ROSENKOETTER