h_agr_2016a_2016-01-25t13:29:44z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/25/2016

02:15 PM -- Sunset Hearing on Division of Racing Events and Colorado Racing Commission



Vivienne Belmont, DORA, introduced herself and explained the Sunset Report concerning the Division of Racing and the Colorado Racing Commission. Staff distributed the Sunset Report concerning the Division of Racing Events and the Colorado Racing Commission (Attachment D) and the draft bill concerning the division and commission (Attachment E). The Colorado Racing Commission (commission), located within the Division of Racing Events (division) in the Department of Revenue (DOR), regulates horse and greyhound racing in which pari-mutuel wagering is being conducted. The commission's primary duties are to license race meets and simulcast facilities and has exclusive authority to promulgate rules to oversee racing. Ms. Belmont discussed each recommendation contained in the sunset report and explained that DORA is recommending that the regulation of racing events continue. She also explained recommendation number two, which would require the Division of Gaming to absorb the Division of Racing Events. Ms. Belmont clarified recommendation number three in the sunset report for the committee. Committee discussion ensued regarding the sunset report.



160125 AttachD.pdf160125 AttachE.pdf



The following persons testified on the Sunset Report concerning the Division of Racing and the Colorado Racing Commission:



02:23 PM -- Dan Williams, Mile High Racing, discussed the report and the sunset review process. Mr. Williams stated that he would like the committee to only pass the recommendation to continue the division and commission. Mr. Williams explained why he does not agree with the other recommendations in the sunset report.



02:35 PM -- Bruce Seymore, Executive Director Mile High Racing, introduced himself and other representatives of Mile High Racing to the committee and stated that he is only in favor of recommendation one, to continue the division and commission. Mr. Seymore responded to questions from the committee.





02:38 PM -- Lois Rice, Executive Director, Colorado Gaming Association, testified in support of the recommendations contained in the sunset report. She stated that she does not support recommendation two of the report, which would combine the division with the Division of Gaming..



02:40 PM -- Melvin Johnson, Colorado Greyhound Breeders Association, and Sue Hadley, representing herself, gave testimony regarding the Division of Racing and the Colorado Racing Commission. Mr. Johnson and Ms. Hadley distributed a written copy of their testimony (Attachment F).



160125 AttachF.pdf



02:45 PM



Jennifer Berman, OLLS, introduced herself to the committee. The committee took a brief recess.



02:54 PM



The committee came back to order and Ms. Berman distributed Amendment #1 (Attachment G) to the draft bill, which removes recommendations two through four from the draft legislation. The committee discussed the amendment, and made technical changes to the amendment.



160125 AttachG.pdf

2:59 PM



Ms. Berman requested that OLLS be allowed to make technical changes to the bill prior to introduction, and there was no objection. Representative Vigil assigned himself and Representative Coram as co-prime sponsors of the bill. He also said that Senators Sonnenberg and Garcia have agreed to be the co-prime sponsors in the Senate. Representative Brown volunteered to be a cosponsor.





03:00 PM



The committee adjourned.