BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 1340

By: Seliger

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Currently, when granted a license by the Texas Racing Commission to construct and operate a horse or greyhound racetrack, the licensee is given a temporary license to conduct races at a location in the same county while the track is being built.  Such a temporary license expires two years after the date of the issuance of the temporary license or on the completion of the permanent facility, whichever occurs first.  Interested parties contend that these temporary license holders need more time to conduct races at a temporary location and to advertise and raise money.  S.B. 1340 seeks to amend current law to postpone the expiration date for such a temporary license.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

S.B. 1340 amends the Texas Racing Act to postpone the expiration date of a temporary license, permitting an association that has been granted a license to operate a racetrack to conduct races at a location in the same county before the completion of construction at the designated place for which the license was issued is valid, from two years to six years after the date of issuance of the temporary license, unless the completion of the permanent facility occurs first. The bill requires the Texas Racing Commission to grant an extension of up to four years for any association currently in possession of such an unexpired temporary license.

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2013.