The Christian County Chamber of Commerce is asking Kentucky legislators to pass Senate Bill 120 to keep historical horse racing in the state.
Chamber President and CEO Kelli Pendleton testified at the Senate Licensing and Occupations hearing on Thursday to support the bill. She said the bill would help protect critical jobs, investment, and economic development in communities across the Commonwealth.
In response to the Supreme Court’s ruling on historical horse racing, the legislation will define pari-mutuel wagering to be consistent with how the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission has regulated live racing for decades and historical horse racing for the last ten years. SB 120 ensures that Kentucky HHR facilities can remain open or resume operations.
The historical gaming systems in question are not at the new Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, although a ruling like that from the Kentucky Supreme Court could open the door for additional regulations that could harm the facility.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer of Georgetown, the second-ranking member of the Republican leadership that controls the Senate, called the decision a “terrible” example of judges legislating from the bench. Governor Andy Beshear also sided with the horse racing industry and said Historical Horse Racing is important and contributes over $21 million to the state budget.
