Appropriations committee trims Racing and Gaming Commission requests, removes $100,000 and $20,000 line items

The Committee on Appropriations voted to adopt the committee recommendations for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission budgets for fiscal years 2025 and 2026, as amended, after members approved two deletions: a $100,000 equipment purchase scheduled in FY2025 and a $20,000 line item for pari‑mutuel gaming equipment.

Chairperson Crystal Walsinger presented the Racing and Gaming Commission's request: about $12.4 million all from special revenue funds and 120.5 FTEs for FY2025, a slight decrease from the 2024 approved amount. The LBC noted the agency sought new equipment to regulate pari‑mutuel racing machines (about $100,000) and nonrecurring communication service charges to OITS.

Members questioned timing for the historical horse racing facility and whether equipment and testing funds were appropriate in FY2025 given anticipated opening in fall 2026. Representative Hoffman moved to delete the $100,000 FY2025 equipment appropriation, arguing the agency would have limited time after final budget approval to use the funds; the motion passed by voice vote. Later, Hoffman also moved to delete $20,000 for pari‑mutuel equipment (members noted the commission previously received $1.4 million and questioned the need for additional funding); that motion also passed by voice vote.

After the committee adopted the amended recommendations for the Racing and Gaming Commission, members briefly discussed related developments—committee members noted reports that Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas, may be planning a hotel—and asked staff to follow up on revenue estimates tied to the new historical horse racing facility. The transcript records voice votes approving the deletions and final motion; no roll‑call tallies were recorded.