SB90 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB90 would create and empower the Greene County Racing Commission, set licensure and tax rules for wagering, and direct county revenues from racing to funding for jail, courthouse, and other public services.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a three-member Greene County Racing Commission with eight-year terms, increases commissioner pay to $25,000 annually plus per-diem, and sets residency and bonding requirements. It allows licensing of up to two racetracks with local and state oversight, imposes a four percent local tax on pari-mutuel wagering, and directs revenue to a wide set of county needs (jail, courthouse, schools, E-911, health, parks, libraries, etc.). It repeals two existing license-related sections and includes restrictions on racing days and who may participate, while also authorizing historical horse racing with a separate tax framework. The bill becomes effective immediately.

Who It Affects

• Greene County residents and public-service entities: local taxes and redistributed racing revenues would fund jail facilities, courthouse construction/renovation, school systems, emergency services (E-911, ambulance), health services, libraries, parks, and other county programs; also, at least 75% of track employees must be Greene County residents.
• Racetrack operators and local government: licensing is limited to two tracks, with specified license fees and terms; operators face residency and background requirements, operating hour restrictions, duties to maintain security and health standards, and tax/fee obligations; revenue rules affect how funds flow to various county offices and services.

Key Provisions

• Creates Greene County Racing Commission with three members appointed by the Governor and Greene County legislative delegation; eight-three year terms; vacancies filled by the same appointment method; records public.
• Commission compensation set at $25,000 annually per member plus $50 per day for attending events; one member on call for each 24-hour pari-mutuel day; same pay rules as other county employees for official travel; funds paid from county treasury.
• Residency and qualification rules: members must be qualified electors of Greene County, 21+, Alabama residents for at least five years, bond of $5,000, and cannot have conflicts of interest in licensed racing interests; liability protections for commission members.
• Licensure framework: local law to set qualifications and appointment; license fees set by the commission up to a maximum (up to $25,000 annually or per-year for multi-year contracts); licenses non-transferable and limited to a maximum of two racetrack licenses; renewal terms mirror initial terms; applicants must meet residency/establishment requirements (state residence for five years for individuals or five years in-state for entities).
• Employee residency: at least 75% of track employees must be bona fide Greene County residents.
• Racing day limits: the bill deletes certain restrictions on the number of racing days; however, restrictions on operation of two tracks on the same racing days remain; no Sunday racing permitted.
• Operational rules: licensing decisions, permit terms up to 10 years; prohibition against live racing after 2:00 AM on Sundays; minimum start times for live (10:00 AM) and televised (8:00 AM) racing; rules for security, veterinary oversight, and insurance at the track.
• Taxes and revenue sharing: licensees must pay a four percent local tax on simulcast pari-mutuel pools; licensees’ commissions capped at 18% of pool contributions; revenues redistributed to track contributors after deductions; the system uses totalized wagering recording and pays out redistribution per pool rules.
• Revenue distribution: quarterly distributions to the Greene County Commission to fund jail/principal/interest on bonds, county courthouse, and other capital needs; additional allocations to municipalities, hospital board, Board of Education, E-911, Industrial Development Authority, ambulance services, libraries, health department, social programs, parks and recreation, and other local entities; detailed per-capita or percentage allocations outlined.
• Repeals: repeals Section 45-32-150.09 (license suspension/revocation) and Section 45-32-150.19 (manipulation of race outcomes).
• Historical horse racing: Section 2 authorizes computer-based historical horse racing with pari-mutuel wagering and imposes a local tax up to 15% and state tax of 1%, with separate handling of historical wagering pools; taxes are in lieu of other taxes and are collected/allocated like live wagering.
• Administrative/transmission restrictions: prohibits transmitting race results or wagering information in ways that enable illegal gambling; limits on sharing sensitive race information.
• Effective date: act takes effect immediately.

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