Relates to horsemen's health insurance

BILL NUMBER:S7796

Title of bill

An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to horsemen's health insurance

Purpose or general idea of bill

To increase the percentage of purse payments mandated to be withheld in order to cover horseman's health insurance from 1% to 7%. In addition, this legislation will include Westchester and Nassau Counties under these provisions.

Summary of provisions

Sections 1 & 2: Amends subparagraph iv of paragraph b of subdivision 1 of section 318 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to increase the percentage of purse payments mandated to be withheld in order to cover horseman's health insurance from 1% to 7% and to include Westchester and Nassau Counties under these provisions.

Section 3: Effective date

Justification

Under current law, health insurance costs for horsemen are covered under contract with management but in certain situations horsemen are racing for an extended period without a contract. Section 318(1)(b)(iv) of the State racing law mandates that one percent (1%) of purse payments be withheld to cover health insurance. However, the law governing this was enacted in 1992 when health insurance costs were less expensive; therefore the withholding one percent (1%) of purse payments for horseman's health insurance is inadequate to cover current health insurance costs, which is why this legislation increases the amount to seven percent (7%).

Additionally, this legislation will amend the current law to include racetracks in Westchester' and Nassau Counties from these provisions. It should be noted that neither of these proposed changes impact the tracks, as the funds being withheld are solely from the horseman's own purse money.

Legislative history

New bill

Fiscal implications

None to the state.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.