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Karcher Bill To Push Interstate Racing Compact Approved By Budget Panel

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Bill Would Streamline Horse Racing License Process, Promote Shared Services by States

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Ellen Karcher which would enroll New Jersey in a multi-state agreement to streamline the licensing process for horse racing participants was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee today.

“New Jersey has a long history of horse racing, and this bill would ensure that we will be a competitor in years to come,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “The Interstate Compact for Horse Racing Licensees is being adopted in many states throughout the country, to provide for better sharing of resources and promote a universal system. We need to recognize the contract so we don’t put New Jersey’s horsemen and women at a disadvantage when they race in other states.”

The bill, S-834, would enact the Interstate Compact for Horse Racing Licensees, a multi-state agreement designed to streamline and centralize horse racing licenses and criminal background checks of participants. Under the licensing compact, a committee of participating States would establish uniform licensing requirements and would allow horse racing participants to apply for one license, which is valid in all member States. Currently, eleven states are members of the Interstate Compact, including Washington, California, Arizona, Nebraska, Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia, Florida, Virginia, Delaware and New York.

“Having one centralized process for horse racing licensees will cut down on the bureaucratic red tape, and ensure the most resources possible to vet horse racing license candidates,” said Senator Karcher. “At the same time, we are retaining our rights under the New Jersey Racing Commission’s Authority to investigate licensees that we believe are acting improperly, and we can deny or revoke an applicant’s license. Through the bill, we get all the benefits of a multi-State agency, but without giving up the safeguards we need to ensure the integrity of New Jersey’s horse racing industry.”

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration.

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“Horse racing in New Jersey is a multimillion dollar industry that draws thousands of race fans to tracks like Monmouth Park during the height of the season,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “We have a proud tradition in the racing world, and we must maintain our competitive edge to bring in the biggest purses and the best races. This legislation will allow us to be on a level playing field with other states, and ensure that our horse racing professionals are not locked out of other markets because of incompatible licensing requirements.”

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“Horse racing is a valuable industry in the Garden State, with facilities like Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands bringing in thousands of patrons each year,” said Senator Karcher, D-Monmouth and Mercer. “One of the most important factors in ensuring a horse racing system free from scam artists is a thorough and efficient licensing process, and the more information and resources available to a licensing panel, the better. Under the Interstate Horse Racing Compact, New Jersey will benefit from the shared resources of other participating states, and we would be able to see licenses processed quickly and background checks conducted completely.”

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