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Committee advances bill creating Equine Economic Improvement Fund funded by wagering revenues
Summary
Senate Bill 11-26 would establish an Equine Economic Improvement Fund supported by a share of fantasy sports and event‑wagering revenues to support breeders, stallion awards and aftercare; the committee returned the bill with a due‑pass recommendation after testimony from industry representatives.
Senate Bill 11-26 would create an Equine Economic Improvement Fund financed by specified percentages of fantasy sports and event wagering revenues and direct how the Arizona Department of Gaming allocates distributions to breeders’ and stallion award funds and other equine programs.
Committee staff summarized: “Senate Bill 11 26 establishes the Equine Economic Improvement Fund, consisting of 5% of the annual revenues of the Fantasy Sports Contest Fund, 10 percent of the monthly revenues of the event wagering fund, and any other source. Additionally, the bill outlines how the Arizona Department of Gaming must distribute the equine the equine fund annually.”
Speakers from the racing and breeding industry told the committee the measure would help keep horses and related agricultural activity in Arizona. Carrie Fales, a trainer and breeder from Pinal County, said many Arizona horses now leave the state in the winter and that a steady funding stream would help the industry “prosper and to grow.” She described on‑farm care, training and retraining processes and said, “At at our farm, we foal about 50 mares a year.”
Marvin Fleming, president of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association, testified the bill would direct funds into Arizona agriculture and retraining programs; staff noted currently breeders statewide receive a total of $250,000 annually from the state.
Bass (representing the Arizona Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association) told the committee the bill would replace a prior general‑fund appropriation with a revenue share drawn from event wagering and fantasy sports funds and emphasized that distributions depend on the existence of wagering revenues.
Members asked about aftercare for retired racehorses and how many organizations would qualify for certain language in the bill; staff and witnesses described designated transfers to breeders’ and stallion funds and an annual contribution to retraining and aftercare programs.
The committee voted to return SB 11‑26 with a due‑pass recommendation; the chair announced the vote as six ayes and three nays. The committee recorded statements in support from Carrie Fales and Marvin Fleming and stakeholder commentary from the Arizona Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association.
Ending: The committee’s vote advances the bill to the next stage in the legislative process; committee members noted budget and stakeholder negotiations will continue as the bill proceeds.
