HB 5459

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. The following changes are effective until January 1, 2022: Provides that "Illinois conceived and foaled", as the term applies to a standardbred, includes a standardbred horse whose sire is a qualified Illinois stallion. Provides that semen from a stallion qualified for the Illinois Standardbred Breeders Fund may be transported outside the State. Removes the requirement that for a horse to qualify for an Illinois conceived and foaled race the mare must be in the State at least 30 days before foaling or remain in the State at least 30 days at the time of foaling. Removes the requirement that for a horse to qualify for an Illinois conceived and foaled race the mare must be inseminated within the State and the foal must be dropped in the State. Provides that the Director of Agriculture or his or her authorized agent shall not publish notice announcing disqualification of a stallion or his foals on the basis that the stallion owner, manager, or person associated has knowingly participated in the arrangements for transporting semen from a standardbred stallion registered under the Act out of State. Effective immediately.