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PARRIS N. GLENDENING, Governor Ch. 309
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Preamble
WHEREAS, Since the 1700s, Maryland's horse industry has been part of the
cultural and historical fabric of the State; and
WHEREAS, Maryland is home to historic Pimlico Race Course which was
founded in 1870 and Laurel Park which was founded in 1991 1911; and
WHEREAS, Pimlico Race Course and Laurel Park are in need of modernization;
and
WHEREAS, Rosecroft Race Course was constructed in 1949 and the last major
renovation was in 1991; and
WHEREAS, Maryland's horse industry reaches across the State affecting farm
owners, breeders, horsemen, and track personnel from the Eastern Shore to Western
Maryland; and
WHEREAS, The more than 900 horse farms in Maryland that encompass more
than 200,000 acres provide employment for many Marylanders, preserve green open
spaces, and positively impact on land values; and
WHEREAS, The State of Maryland and its citizens would benefit from the
retention of open spaces and green spaces in agricultural use, and it is necessary to
provide additional programs and funding to preserve the State's horse farms; and
WHEREAS, The horse industry employs more than 15,000 people and
generates nearly $1 billion annually in economic activity for the State, more than any
other professional sport in the State; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds and declares that the Maryland
horse industry is vulnerable to a decline; and
WHEREAS, The competition from other states for quality racehorses and the
betting dollars has increased as a result of mechanisms aimed at increasing purse
structures and providing funds for capital improvements to racing facilities in those
states; and
WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds and declares that this Act is
necessary to preserve, restore, and revitalize the horse racing and breeding industries
and preserve in Maryland the economic impact associated with these industries; and
WHEREAS, Increased funding for the redevelopment of racing facilities in the
State will enhance the appeal of the sport, and increased attendance will support
industry growth; now, therefore,
SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF
MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
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- 1853 -
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