New York Assembly Bill A03680

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25
• Report Pass: 2/11/25
• Refer: 2/11/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires written consent of the New York thoroughbred horsemen's association representing at least fifty-one percent of the horsemen using the facilities of the franchised corporation prior to allocation or spending of funds from certain accounts.

Summary

A03680 amends the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to require prior written consent from the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association representing at least 51% of the horsemen using a franchised corporation's facilities before money in certain accounts can be allocated or spent. The bill applies to accounts established under section 208 of the law and is aimed at giving horsemen a greater role in decisions about purse-related funds and other account expenditures. The measure includes an exception for payments that are already required by law, which would not need horsemen's written consent. It would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Impact

The bill would change how funds in certain racing-related accounts are controlled, shifting spending authority toward the horsemen's association and limiting unilateral allocation by the franchised corporation or horsemen's bookkeeper. In practice, this could affect purse money administration, account governance, and the relationship between track operators and thoroughbred horsemen in New York's racing industry. It does not appear to create new funding sources or alter the underlying legal obligation to make payments already required by law.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests generally favorable sentiment, as the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee voted 10-0 to refer the bill to Ways and Means. No opposing testimony or recorded debate is provided in the materials, so the bill appears to have moved forward without visible committee resistance at this stage.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely control over purse and account funds: the bill would require consent from a majority-backed horsemen's association before money can be spent, which may be viewed by horsemen as a safeguard and by franchised corporations or bookkeepers as a restriction on operational flexibility. The exception for legally mandated payments narrows the dispute somewhat, but the core issue remains who has authority to decide how these racing-related monies are allocated.