SPONSOR:

Rep. Viola & Sen. McDowell

 

Rep. Atkins; Sen. Lopez

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

147th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 177

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 3 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO HORSE RACING.


BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1:Amend §10128(m), Title 3 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underlining as follows:

(m)(1) The Commission shall adopt regulations governing the operation of thoroughbred and Arabian racing including the regulation of betting in connection therewith and the regulation of the conduct of all participants in any racing meet, to insure the integrity and security of the conduct of meetings held pursuant to this chapter. Such regulations shall include provisions for disciplinary measures for violations thereof including the imposition of fines, suspension or revocation of licenses or permits, and ejection or expulsion from a licensee's premises.

(2)a. The Commission shall have the authority to impose a fine of up to $5,000the greater of $10,000 or the amount of the purse money for the race to which the violation related for any violation of its regulations.

b. The stewards of a race meeting acting in accordance with such regulations if authorized by the Commission shall have the authority to impose disciplinary measures, including fines, suspension or revocation of licenses or permits, and ejection or exclusion from a licensee's premises.

c. All fines imposed pursuant to this section shall be paid over to the General Fund upon receipt by the Commission.

d. A person fined or otherwise disciplined by the stewards of a racing meeting shall have a right of appeal to the Commission and for a hearing before the Commission. Any person fined or otherwise disciplined by the Commission shall have a right of appeal to the Superior Court of the State.

e. The action of the Commission shall stand unless and until reversed by the Court.

SYNOPSIS

This bill authorizes the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission to impose a fine for a violation of its regulations up to $10,000 or the amount of the purse for the race in which the violation occurred, whichever is greater. Presently in the Code, that authority is capped at a $5,000, and there is no express relationship to the purse.