Greenfield, IN — Recent federal legislation has been introduced through a bill through Congress that will impact the horse racing industry. The Indiana Standardbred Association Board of Directors recently took a vote regarding the current bill, and the board opposes the current legislation placed before Congress.

The bill, S.4547 – Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, is also known as the McConnell Bill as it was introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. The bill has some positive effects on the racing industry, according to a recent report by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. The positive aspects in the bill are regarding expanded anti-doping and medication policies.

However, the other portion of the McConnell Bill could be detrimental to those involved in the industry through unknown costs which would greatly impact racetracks, owners, trainers and breeders. The ARCI reports a risk that the racing industry could end up paying twice, as the prospects for an industry specific tax cut to prevent that in most states may prove elusive.

The latest action on the McConnell Bill is it has been read twice by the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. A summary is currently in progress.

For more information on the analyst of the current bill, S.4547, contact the ARCI at info@arci.com.