Senate hearing hears strong rural support for SB 15 24 to dedicate lottery funds for horse racing and fairgrounds
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Summary
Supporters including county fair officials, trainers and breeders told the Senate committee SB 15 24 would replace funds lost when hub wagering changed and provide steady lottery funding (0.3% of proceeds) to preserve racing infrastructure and rural economic activity; committee members sought clarifications about ORC distribution mechanics and timing.
The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue heard extensive testimony Feb. 20 on SB 15 24, which would create a dedicated horse‑racing account funded by 0.3% of Oregon Lottery proceeds and make the allocation operative July 1, 2027. Sponsors and industry witnesses described the measure as necessary to backfill revenue lost after changes to hub wagering and to sustain county fairs and small track economies.
Sen. Suzanne Weber, who spoke in support, said the bill would provide stability for rural events and facilities that rely on racing proceeds for track maintenance, safety equipment, veterinary care and jockey insurance. "This measure promotes safety for both horses and participants through better infrastructure and veterinary care," she told the committee.
Sen. Kadin, who also spoke in support, framed the request as modest in scale: the 0.3% allocation was estimated in meeting materials to generate roughly $5,700,000 per biennium under current lottery forecasts and would replace funding that phases out after 2027. Kadin said some fairgrounds have been underfunded for years and that the measure would preserve community infrastructure.
Representatives of the Horseman's Benevolent Protective Association, track operators and breeders described the hub system that historically supported racing and asked the committee to act to avoid closures. Randy Bodine, whose organization represents Oregon horse owners and trainers, said a prior agreement to replace lost hub funds "disappeared" and that tracks already feel the effect. Multiple breeders and veterinarians testified to the industry's local economic footprint and its role in supporting small farms and minority‑owned businesses.
Committee members asked how funds would be distributed and whether the Oregon Racing Commission (ORC) would need rulemaking authority to allocate among track maintenance, safety and other priorities. Witnesses said the intent is to keep distribution mechanisms consistent with prior practice and that the ORC oversees allocations and audits, but acknowledged some implementation details would be refined if the bill advances.
Richard Engstrom clarified on the record that the state does not currently provide direct general‑fund support to racing, noting hub arrangements previously generated revenue that in turn funded racing oversight and track support. The public hearing closed with broad applause from industry witnesses and no immediate committee vote.