Columbus, OH — A Spectrum News 1 (San Antonio, Texas) website story reports that in a Texas Racing Commission meeting on Wednesday (April 12), the commissioners formalized its opposition to the federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.

According to the story, “To date, the Texas Racing Commission has done three things: It signed off on a letter, sent to HISA, that refused to pay fees. The agency filed suggestions on HISA regulations that would create a more balanced playing field. And Texas has joined a legal case, in a Lubbock federal court, that has challenged the constitutionality of the law.”

HISA has assessed $371,377 in fees to the TRC.

The Spectrum News 1 story reported that TRC Chairman Robert Pate also warned that an unintended consequence of HISA in Texas could be the elimination of pari-mutuel and simulcast wagering in Texas.

“This pivotal meeting will consider the response of Texas and the Texas Racing Commission to the federal HISA, which, by terms, seeks to disenfranchise Texas from its essential role in the health and safety of horses and jockeys,” Chair Robert Pate said. “An unintended consequence of HISA — at least in Texas — may be the elimination of all pari-mutuel wagering and simulcast wager for HISA-covered horses and covered horse racing under the Texas Racing Act.”

To read the complete Spectrum News 1 story, click here.