SB 1439

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law authorizes the California Horse Racing Board to approve an additional 15 minisatellite wagering sites in each zone under certain conditions, including that no site is within 20 miles of a racetrack, a satellite wagering facility, or a tribal casino that has a satellite wagering facility. Existing law provides that if the proposed facility is within 20 miles of one of the above-referenced satellite facilities, then the consent of each facility within a 20-mile radius must be given before the proposed facility may be approved by the board. Existing law requires the written consent of the San Mateo County Fair be obtained prior to the approval of any minisatellite wagering site located within a 20-mile radius of its fairground. This bill would replace the 20-mile radius requirement in the above provisions with a 15-mile requirement and would provide that the requirement that the approval of a racetrack, satellite wagering facility, tribal casino that has a satellite wagering facility, or fair be obtained if the proposed minisatellite wagering facility is within 15 miles shall only apply to those facilities that are operated by tribal casinos, racetracks, or fairs that actually conduct 2 weeks or more of live racing in the preceding year. The bill would authorize the board, if a satellite wagering facility or tribal casino does not consent to a minisatellite wagering facility being situated within 15 miles, to conduct a one-year test at the proposed site in order to determine its impact on total parimutuel revenues and on attendance and wagering at existing satellite wagering facilities. With respect to the one-year test, the bill would provide that the board may approve only one minisatellite wagering facility per existing satellite wagering facility and the minisatellite wagering facility shall not be located within 10 miles of the satellite wagering facility. The bill would authorize a certain impact fee, as provided. This bill would specify how mileages are to be measured for purposes of the above provisions. This bill would, notwithstanding the above provisions, prohibit the establishment of a satellite wagering facility or minisatellite wagering facility within 20 miles of a tribal casino. By establishing a prohibition under the Horse Racing Law, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would make clarifying and other technical changes. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.