Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer, R-Ocean, Burlington, Middlesex and Monmouth, that allows race track permit holders and the standardbred racing and horse-breeding industry to jointly decide how to utilize a portion of their racing purses in order to promote the racing industry was unanimously approved by the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee today.

The bill, A-3489, allows harness racing’s permit holders and the Standardbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association to enter into contractual agreements that allocate funds to help promote and enhance New Jersey’s standardbred racing and breeders industry. The amount of the racing purses, which is specified by statute, would not be affected. Also, any agreement would not be permitted to reduce the statutorily dedicated funds for programs designed to aid the horsemen and the Standardbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association or for the administration of a health benefits program for the horsemen.

“Racetrack permit holders and the Standardbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association have a mutual interest in ensuring the success of horse racing in New Jersey,” said Dancer, who has sponsored many pieces of bipartisan legislation designed to help make horse racing sustainable in the state. “The parties understand that racing must be self-sustainable in New Jersey, and this bill provides them with an opportunity to preserve and enhance the sport of horse racing that results in greater fan interest and wagering. The contractual requirement provision in this bill stipulates that both sides must agree as to the means of how this goal will be achieved.

“We are in a new era of horse racing in New Jersey. We are fortunate to have creative and talented private sector business people who love racing and believe it is viable in our state,” continued Dancer. “Giving them the flexibility to work cooperatively on a plan to promote this sport will pay dividends.”

Dancer’s legislation is also sponsored by Assemblymen John Burzichelli and Ralph Caputo and Assemblywoman Connie Wagner.

(NJ Assembly Republicans)