SB298 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Greene County; county racing commission, further provided; simulcast racing, pari-mutuel wagering, further provided

Summary

SB298 would create and empower the Greene County Racing Commission to regulate simulcast and pari-mutuel racing, raise salaries and set rules, expand racing days under limits, establish licensure and local hiring requirements, tax wagering, and direct revenue to county projects and programs while repealing a prior provision on race manipulation.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a three-member Greene County Racing Commission with defined terms, duties, and compensation; imposes residency and conflict-of-interest rules for commissioners; regulates racetrack licensure with time limits, fees, and a cap on racing days; requires local hiring and other qualifications for licensees. It tightens wagering rules for dog racing and allows historical horse racing with its own local and state taxes, plus guarantees funding channels for county jail, courthouse, education, health, and other programs through quarterly distributions; and it repeals a previous provision related to manipulating race outcomes.

Who It Affects

• Greene County residents and prospective licensees/employees: residency requirements for licensure, local hiring mandates (75% of track employees being Greene County residents), and potential eligibility to serve on or interact with the Greene County Racing Commission.
• Greene County government and residents: new tax revenue and distribution rules that fund jail, courthouse, law enforcement, fire, ambulance, health, schools, libraries, parks, and various county programs, plus impacts on licensing, operation rules, and oversight of racing activities.

Key Provisions

• Creates Greene County Racing Commission with three members appointed by the Governor and Greene County legislative delegation; eight-year terms (current terms may be adjusted); traditional public records accessibility.
• Commission compensation set at $25,000 annually per member plus $50 per day for race attendance; additional allowances for on-call coverage and attendance at out-of-town meetings; salaries paid from county funds.
• Requires commission members to be Greene County electors, at least 21, Alabama residents for five years prior to appointment; oath of office; $5,000 bond; restrictions on being involved with race tracks or licensed activities; prohibits racing dogs by commissioners.
• Licensing framework: licensees must be state residents or have five years’ Alabama residency; 75% of track employees should be Greene County residents; licenses non-transferable; up to two racetrack licenses in the county; licenses issued for up to 10 years with annual fee not exceeding $25,000; renewal on similar terms; first-license holder governs subsequent licenses.
• Racing days and operation: limit of 313 racing days per year; no Sunday racing; rules on hours and attendance; special provisions on operating hours, after-midnight allowances, and counting of racing days.
• Wagering and license rules: regulate pari-mutuel wagering (dog racing and historical horse racing); require use of a totalizator machine; local and state taxes on wagering (e.g., four percent local tax on certain pools and up to 18% licensee commission on pools); license fees and admission taxes; separate handling for historical horse racing pools.
• Revenue distribution: quarterly distributions from gambling revenues to fund jail and county courthouse projects, public safety law enforcement upgrades, ambulance services, day-care centers, libraries, parks, health programs, and various community improvement allocations; detailed per-category allocations and per-capita shares for municipalities.
• Repeal and effective date: repeals Section 45-32-150.19 related to race outcome manipulation; act becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.
• Wagering safeguards and ethics: prohibits wagering outside of licensed racetrack premises; prohibits sales to intoxicated individuals; vet presence and security requirements; insurance requirements; penalties for illegal gambling activities.
• Historical horse racing: recognizes computerized historical horse racing and imposes local (up to 4%) and state (1%) taxes on handle; requires separation of handle data and applies revenue rules similar to live wagering.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Greene County