Senate committee confirms horse‑racing board appointees, hears expansion plans

Hannah Slusser, a representative of the governor’s office, and Mandy Rambo, deputy director of the Montana Department of Commerce, urged the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee to confirm interim appointees to the Board of Horse Racing, saying appointments were submitted under a statutory deadline.

The nominees before the committee included Janice Calton (Bigfork), John Hayes (Great Falls), Corey Jones (Miles City) and Jody Smith (Miles City); a subsequent resolution sought confirmation of Buckshot Nelson in the horse‑industry slot. Rambo explained the board has seven members, must include two industry members from different districts, and five additional members representing distinct districts. She said the board is “looking at how we can expand horse racing across the state.”

John Hayes, who identified himself as the board’s chairman, testified he would answer questions about racing in Montana and encouraged confirmation. Janice Calton, appearing by Zoom, said the board now reaches statewide audiences through advanced deposit wagering and partnerships outside Montana and that the board continues to promote racing beyond the two active meet locations.

Committee members asked whether some districts currently lack active racing and pressed for clarity about how board seats are apportioned. Rambo said only two districts currently host racing events and noted the board has three revenue streams—general‑fund support, revenue from racing meet bedding and licensing fees—and that the legislature added general‑fund support in 2023 to help the board while it rebuilds industry revenue.

The committee moved both resolutions. SR 30 and SR 99 were each approved by voice vote; proxies were recorded for several senators and the chair announced the motions passed.

Next steps: the confirmations move forward following committee approval.