Horse racing: advance deposit wagering and exchange wagering deductions.

Existing law authorizes advance deposit wagering to be conducted, with the approval of the California Horse Racing Board, in accordance with specified provisions of law. Existing law requires a certain percentage of the amounts distributed for advance deposit wagering for racing meetings, except for harness racing meetings, to be deducted and distributed for the establishment and administration of a defined contribution retirement plan for California-licensed jockeys who retire on or after January 1, 2009, to supplement trainer-administered pension plans for backstretch personnel, and for distribution to a welfare fund established for horsemen and backstretch personnel, as specified. Existing law also requires a certain percentage of amounts distributed on advance deposit wagers for harness racing meetings to be deducted and distributed to a welfare fund established for the benefit of horsemen and backstretch personnel, and for any amounts remaining to be utilized for the benefit of horsemen pursuant to a written agreement between the racing association that conducts the live harness race meeting and the organization representing the horsemen, as specified. This bill would require certain amounts generated at harness race meetings that are held in trust by the California Exposition and State Fair to be distributed to the harness racing horsemen who participated in a certain racing meeting, and to the California Exposition and State Fair, in accordance with specified percentages and requirements. Existing law authorizes exchange wagering, as defined, by an entity licensed by the board, in accordance with specified provisions of law. Existing law, until January 1, 2021, on an annual basis, requires a certain amount of exchange revenues collected by exchange wagering licensees to be distributed to provide health and welfare benefits to jockeys and their dependents. This bill would instead repeal those provisions on January 1 following the year in which the 10th annual distribution of those funds is made. By imposing new requirements on licensees under the Horse Racing Law, a violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.