HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 129

(By Delegates Espinosa, Lawrence and Skinner )

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance study the feasibility of expansion of all forms of pari-mutuel wagering, including advanced deposit wagering, in the state.

    Whereas, Thoroughbred racing and the related infrastructure of small businesses including horse breeders, horse trainers, veterinarians, farmers and related agriculture are vital to the economy of West Virginia. The continuing vitality of thoroughbred racing is essential to racetracks and casinos located within West Virginia and to the revenues received by West Virginia from lawful gaming, which revenues provide substantial support to, among other things, schools and education, West Virginia's seniors and tourism and state parks; and

    Whereas, Pari-mutuel wagering provides a significant source of revenue to West Virginia, which revenues are vital to supporting the substantial public policies of West Virginia. The various forms of pari-mutuel wagering, and the pari-mutuel systems through pari-mutuel wagering is accomplished, are rapidly evolving and other states are realizing significant revenues from forms of pari-mutuel wagering not currently utilized in West Virginia such as advanced deposit wagering; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to study the feasibility of expansion of all forms of pari-mutuel wagering, including advanced deposit wagering, in the state; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the interim study shall include participation by members of the West Virginia Racing Commission, West Virginia Racing Associations, West Virginia Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Associations, West Virginia Thoroughbred Breeders Association, West Virginia Greyhound Owners and Breeders Association and West Virginia University Bureau of Business and Economic Research; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the study required by this resolution shall begin on July 1, 2014, and the researchers shall submit study progress reports, with preliminary findings as these occur, to the Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Revenue on a quarterly basis. The secretary shall submit reports to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance beginning on December 1, 2014, and every six months thereafter, until the study is completed and a final report submitted; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2015, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.