Senate Bill 133 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

SB133 would create a Greene County Racing Commission to regulate simulcast and pari-mutuel wagering, set licensure rules and local taxes, and direct revenue to county projects, while increasing commissioner pay and adding residency requirements and licensing limits in Greene County.

What This Bill Does

Creates the Greene County Racing Commission with three governor-appointed members, defines their duties, bonding, public records, and oversight responsibilities. Raises the annual pay for commissioners to $25,000 plus a daily attendance supplement, and requires commissioners and licensees to meet residency and local-employment requirements. Authorizes up to two racetrack licenses in Greene County for live and simulcast racing, with licenses lasting up to 10 years and annual fees up to $25,000; licenses are non-transferable and cannot allow two tracks to operate on the same racing days. Imposes a four percent local tax on simulcast wagering (with licensee commissions capped at 18%), and allows a separate local tax (up to 15%) and state tax (1%) on historical horse racing computers; proceeds are redistributed and used to fund county programs and services, including jail, courthouse, hospital, schools, E-911, libraries, and other local needs.

Who It Affects

• Greene County residents and county agencies: residency and local-employment requirements for licensure; increased revenue through local taxes; specified distributions to jail, courthouse, hospital, Board of Education, E-911, libraries, and other county services.
• Racetrack operators, employees, and bettors: new licensing rules and fees; limits on the number of licenses; wage and employment requirements; wagering rules and penalties for violations; and enforcement provisions related to racing and dog racing.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Greene County Racing Commission (3 members) with appointment by the Governor and defined duties, plus public-records access and bonding requirements.
• Sets compensation for commissioners at $25,000 annually plus $50 per day for attendance; requires coverage for 24-hour pari-mutuel days and equal pay for out-of-town meetings.
• Allows up to two racetrack licenses in Greene County, with licenses issued for up to 10 years, annual license fees capped at $25,000, non-transferable licenses, and restrictions to prevent multiple tracks from operating on the same racing days.
• Imposes a four percent local tax on simulcast pari-mutuel pools (licensee commissions capped at 18%), and a separate local tax up to 15% and state tax of 1% on historical horse racing machines; taxes are collected and distributed as specified.
• Requires that at least 75% of racetrack employees be bona fide Greene County residents; establishes residency criteria for license applicants and related employment rules.
• Directs quarterly distributions of racing revenue to Greene County programs (jail bonds, courthouse, hospital, Board of Education, E-911, fire, ambulance, libraries, parks, cultural programs, and general county government) with detailed share allocations and some unearmarked funds for flexible use.
• Repeals Section 45-32-150.09 (license suspension/revocation) and Section 45-32-150.19 (manipulation of race outcomes); establishes immediate effectiveness of the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Greene County