Marvin Mandel, Governor                        1019

CHAPTER 468
(Senate Bill 571)

AN ACT to require the State Racing Commission to study possible
consolidation of certain racetracks and licensees in Maryland and
provide generally for the scope, purpose, and use of this study. ;
AND REQUIRING THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GEN-
ERAL ASSEMBLY BEFORE ANY PLAN PRESENTED BY
THE RACING COMMISSION MAY BE IMPLEMENTED OR
PUT INTO EFFECT.; AND MAKING PROVISION FOR THE
APPOINTMENT OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE FROM THE
GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND FOR ITS PARTICIPATION IN
THIS STUDY.

Whereas, the State of Maryland wishes to strengthen and im-
prove racing and the racing industry in this State.

Racing in Maryland is a product of long tradition. It reaches far
back into Colonial days and in the annals and histories of the
colony and early State of Maryland there are many references to
horse racing and the interest and enthusiasm it stirred throughout
Maryland.

For many years, the sport has been highly organized in this State
and subject to intensive regulation by the Maryland State Racing
Commission.

From time to time, the General Assembly has set up study com-
missions to investigate the racing industry and to make recommen-
dations about its possible change and improvement.

The most recent such study was by a committee on racing ap-
pointed by the Legislative Council under the chairmanship of
Senator James Clark which reported near the end of the year 1969.

One of the recommendations made by the Clark Committee was
the possible consolidation of some of the mile tracks in Maryland,
in the interest of economy, good management, and the meeting of
out-of-state competition.

The General Assembly of Maryland now believes that consolida-
tion of one-mile racing at two tracks in Maryland would be advisable
and prudent for this State under an appropriately conceived scheme.
The first necessity, of course, is that of a study and compilation to
get the facts and materials necessary for a properly conceived
scheme of consolidation; now, therefore,

Section 1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That the State Racing Commission is directed to study the possible
consolidation of Maryland one-mile tracks so that all such racing
would be performed on not more than two Maryland tracks. The
Racing Commission shall present a plan to the Governor and the
General Assembly of Maryland under which consolidation of the
one-mile tracks may be accomplished. The plan shall be submitted
not later than October 1, 1971. JANUARY 1, 1972. Its details and
procedure shall be consistent with the State's need for revenue and
the necessity for meeting out-of-state competition, and the plan shall
be consistent also with private investments in racing tracks and their