Horse racing: unlicensed penalty.

The Horse Racing Law authorizes the California Horse Racing Board to issue to any person who makes an application in writing, complies with specified provisions of this law, and who makes the deposit to secure payment of the license fee, a license to conduct a horse racing meeting at the track specified in the application, provided that the board determines that the issuance of the license will be in the public interest and will subserve the purposes of the Horse Racing Law. The Horse Racing Law makes it a misdemeanor for a person to directly or indirectly hold or conduct a meeting where there is horse racing and betting on the results, as specified, without first having procured a license. This bill would instead make it a felony for a person to knowingly hold or conduct any meeting or activity where there is horse racing and betting on the results, as specified, without first having procured a license. By changing the penalty for a crime and by expanding the definition of a crime, this 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.