Whereas, confusion now exists in the interpretation of statutes governing simulcasting; and

Whereas, it is imperative that ambiguity in the law be eliminated as quickly as possible; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 8 MRSA §275-N, as amended by PL 1997, c. 528, §33, is further amended to read:

§275-N. Limitations on off-track betting facilities

The commission may not allow interstate simulcasting or license any off-track betting facility for any calendar year unless during the preceding calendar year there was were at least 150 race dates on which live racing was actually was conducted at the commercial tracks. Interstate simulcasting must always must be allowed during the regular meeting at any commercial track that conducted at least 136 race dates during the immediately preceding calendar year or at an existing commercial track as defined in section 275-A, subsection 1, paragraph B at which at least 35 race dates were conducted during the immediately preceding year. For the purposes of this section, any race date that the commission determines was canceled due to a natural or other disaster must be counted as a race date.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.

SUMMARY

The bill amends the limitations on off-track betting facilities to clarify that, by racing the number of days prescribed in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 8, section 275-N, commercial tracks are entitled to engage in simulcasting during their live race meets.