SF3077 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Certain racehorses residency pilot program establishment and appropriation
Related bill: HF1540
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to create a pilot program in Minnesota focused on thoroughbred racehorses. The program is designed to support the agricultural and equine industries, as well as provide mental health and educational assistance to workers and communities associated with racetracks.
Main Provisions
- Establishment of Residency Aftercare and Benevolence Program: The commissioner of agriculture will oversee a program to enhance the state's agriculture and equine sectors.
- Minnesota Resident Thoroughbred Registry: Starting in 2025, a registry will keep track of thoroughbred racehorses that have resided in a racetrack for at least 120 days. A one-time, nonrefundable application fee of $100 is required for registration.
- Residency Awards: In 2026 and 2027, racetracks must award $750 to the owners of registered thoroughbreds if the horse starts a race on that day. The commissioner of agriculture will reimburse these awards by the end of each season.
- Repurposing Grants: From 2026, grants will be provided to organizations that offer retraining or new uses for retired thoroughbred racehorses.
- Mental Health and Education Grants: Starting in 2026, the bill allocates funds for mental health and education services to be provided to stable workers and communities associated with racetracks.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- New Funding and Account Establishment: A thoroughbred racehorse pilot program account will be set up, appropriating funds specifically for the outlined purposes.
- Expiration: The provisions in this bill will expire on July 1, 2028.
- Funding Transfer: A one-time transfer of $7,000,000 from the general fund to this program account is set for fiscal year 2026.
Relevant Terms
- Thoroughbred racehorse
- Racetrack
- Residency awards
- Repurposing grants
- Mental health and education grants
- Minnesota Racing Commission
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development |
| March 31, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author stricken |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines terms related to racing days and racing season under section 240.01 in connection with the thoroughbred racehorse residency aftercare and benevolence pilot program.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "240.01",
"subdivision": ""
}
]