BILL ANALYSIS

S.B. 917

By: Seliger

Licensing & Administrative Procedures

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties note that, according to some estimates, match races between horses or greyhounds are being held at numerous private brush tracks across Texas and that these events can draw up to 2,000 patrons at the bigger tracks. The parties assert that, because such events are not explicitly subject to regulation under the Texas Mass Gatherings Act, a county's local law enforcement and health officials currently are not readily able to determine, through a permit process, whether certain standards for public health and safety are sufficiently being met at these events. S.B. 917 seeks to address local law enforcement and other public officials' health and safety concerns regarding certain horse and greyhound races.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

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. 917 amends the Health and Safety Code to make the Texas Mass Gatherings Act applicable to a horse or greyhound race that attracts or is expected to attract at least 100 persons unless the race is held at a location at which pari-mutuel wagering is authorized under the Texas Racing Act. The bill expressly does not legalize any activity prohibited by state law.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2015.