Delegate McCascoe backs HB 15-98 to ease capital grant match for racetracks, with long-term racing commitments

Delegate Alethia McCascoe asked the House Appropriations Committee for a favorable report on HB 15-98, a bill that would let Standardbred racetracks receive state capital construction grants without a mandatory matching contribution if they accept conditions intended to protect the public interest.

“The bill authorizes rather than requires a racing licensee to provide and expend a matching fund in order to receive capital construction grant,” McCascoe said, outlining key provisions that would require a two-year live-racing commitment if no match is provided, a 10-year live-racing requirement after construction, prorated recapture if a licensee fails to meet the commitment, and minimum live-racing days for beneficiaries.

Industry witnesses told the committee the change would unlock already-dedicated renewal funds and help aging facilities modernize. “Racetracks are big. They’re old. They’re expensive, and they’re aging facilities,” Bobby Jones, general manager at Ocean Downs Racetrack and Casino, said. He urged the committee to preserve safeguards — live-racing commitments and recapture provisions — while removing the upfront matching hurdle that can delay improvements.

Robert Lillis, testifying as a Maryland resident and racing commissioner, emphasized the sector’s economic footprint, saying harness racing supports thousands of jobs and generates substantial economic activity for Maryland communities. Lisa Watts, general manager at Rosecroft Raceway, said the bill balances stability for facilities and protections for the state, noting that the funds in question are already dedicated to Standardbred racetrack renewal rather than new general-state spending.

Supporters cited enforcement mechanisms and minimum-day requirements intended to ensure public investment results in continued live racing: the draft language includes prorated repayment if a licensee fails to conduct live racing for the required 10 years and sets minimum live-racing-day thresholds for recipients. Sharon Roberts, representing the Cloverleaf Standardbred Owners Association, said roughly 500 members back the bill.

Committee members asked operational questions about the existing day-split arrangements between Ocean Downs and Rosecroft and how funds would flow if a track ceased operations; witnesses described an approximate 60/40 split and said available calculations would shift based on race days. The sponsor turned the panel’s minute-long testimony into a request for a favorable report; no formal vote was recorded in the transcript.

The committee heard the panel and thanked witnesses; the bill’s fiscal and policy details will move through the committee process.