Racing Commission authorizes start of 2026 rulemaking; opens 60-day public comment period

The Racing Commission on Monday authorized the executive director to begin the 2026 rulemaking process by drafting and publishing a request for comments, staff said.

Staff told commissioners the action permits the executive director to solicit public input for 60 days from the date of publication and that staff has already received several proposals from industry stakeholders. The proposals and the public comments will be reviewed by the rules committee and subsequently brought before the commission for any formal rule changes.

The motion authorizing the executive director to proceed was made and seconded during the meeting and approved by voice vote; commissioners present signified approval by saying “aye.” The commission recorded no opposition.

Commission staff said the rulemaking initiative will consider proposals already submitted by industry participants and that the rules committee will evaluate suggested changes before formal regulatory amendments are proposed. The measure does not itself amend rules; it authorizes the formal notice-and-comment step required to begin a rulemaking docket.

The action was procedural in nature and intended to start the statewide public-comment process that precedes any proposed regulatory changes.