An Amendment To The Arkansas Constitution To Remove References To Greyhound Racing From Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 100.
Summary
HJR1019 proposes a constitutional amendment to Arkansas Constitution Amendment 100 to remove references to greyhound racing and to update related casino-gaming tax and distribution provisions. The resolution reflects that no entity currently holds a franchise to conduct greyhound racing in Arkansas, and it revises language throughout Amendment 100 to eliminate greyhound-specific references where they are no longer applicable.
The measure also updates how net casino gaming receipts taxes are distributed and how required contributions to purses and breeding activities are described. It preserves the existing structure for casino licensees, sporting-event wagering where allowed by federal law, and the Arkansas Racing Commission’s role, but revises provisions tied to franchise holders, purse distributions, and breeding-related payments to account for the absence of a greyhound racing franchise. The amendment would take effect January 1, 2027, if approved by voters at the general election.
Impact
If adopted, HJR1019 would amend the Arkansas Constitution itself, specifically Amendment 100, and would remove or revise constitutional references to greyhound racing, the Arkansas Greyhound Racing Law, and the Local Option Horse Racing and Greyhound Racing Electronic Games of Skill Act. It would also alter the tax distribution formulas for net casino gaming receipts and adjust the language governing purse funding and breeding-related contributions, while leaving the Arkansas Racing Commission responsible for oversight and compliance. The practical effect would be to align the constitution with the current absence of a greyhound racing franchise in the state and to modernize related gaming provisions.
Sentiment
The available text and context suggest the bill is largely administrative and corrective, with no recorded committee debate or votes indicating opposition or support. The bill’s framing is neutral and explanatory, emphasizing that the changes are needed because no entity currently holds a greyhound racing franchise in Arkansas. Overall sentiment appears procedural and low-conflict, focused on updating outdated constitutional language rather than changing policy in a controversial way.
Contention
The main point of contention, if any, is the removal of greyhound racing references and the reworking of tax and purse-distribution language that previously distinguished between horse and greyhound racing. Stakeholders most likely affected include casino licensees, the Arkansas Racing Commission, horse racing franchise holders, and any remaining greyhound racing interests or breeding-related organizations. The bill also touches on how casino-generated revenue is allocated to state, county, and municipal recipients, which could draw attention from local governments and racing-related beneficiaries, though no specific objections are recorded in the provided materials.
Suspends the corporation franchise tax levied on certain taxable capital and suspends the initial corporation franchise tax levied on certain entities (Item #16) (EG -$10,200,000 GF RV See Note)