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Subcommittee sends racetrack-protection bill to summer study after industry testimony
Summary
House Bill 16-60, aimed at protecting established racetracks from nuisance lawsuits, was sent to a summer study (vote 5-1) after testimony from motorsports industry groups citing economic impacts and local witnesses urging protection for generational racing venues.
Representative McCallum described HB 16-60 as a measure to protect racetracks established before surrounding development from private-nuisance lawsuits, to prevent lawful, government-approved operations from being challenged, and to provide predictability for tracks to continue operating and investing.
Industry witnesses testified in support. Christian Robinson of the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Performance Racing Industry (PRI) said motorsports contribute nearly $3,000,000,000 in economic output statewide, support roughly 11,000 jobs and produce about $1,000,000,000 in wages and benefits—figures he urged the committee to consider when weighing protections for tracks. Norm Parton, speaking from a community/racing perspective, described the generational nature of local racing and the equipment and investments at stake.
Representative Travis moved to send the bill to a summer study so both sides could be fully explored; the subcommittee approved that motion (5 ayes, 1 no). Supporters said the study would allow stakeholders to refine solutions that preserve venues while addressing community concerns such as noise, curfews and event limits.
