2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 4 - Amusements and Sports › §4:147. Specific duties of commission

RS 4:147 - Specific duties of commission
A. The commission shall carry out the provisions of this Part, including the following specific duties:
(1)(a) To assign the dates race meetings may be conducted in this state at any particular track, including dates which limit racing at a particular track for quarter horses only, provided that:
(i) To the extent possible, it shall prohibit the conducting of any thoroughbred race meetings having the same or overlapping dates for such race meetings at thoroughbred race tracks within the state.
(ii) To the extent possible, it shall prohibit the conducting of any exclusively quarter horse race meetings having the same or overlapping dates for such race meetings at any other exclusively quarter horse track within the state.
(b) To set the minimum number of live races required per race day at any particular track.
(2)(a) To appoint three stewards to serve each day of each race meeting conducted under the provisions of this Part. One of the stewards shall be appointed by the commission to represent the Louisiana State Racing Commission and shall be designated as the state steward who shall upon appointment be residing in the state.
(b) The amount to be paid by the commission to the state steward as compensation for his services shall be at least the same amount paid to the two stewards appointed to represent an association, and the association shall reimburse the commission in an amount equal to the amount paid by it to the state steward as his compensation, as aforesaid, which amount shall be considered an additional fee due the state by an association for the privileges granted in its license.
(c) Two of the stewards shall be nominated by the association conducting a race meeting under the provisions of this Part and, prior to serving as such, shall be approved and appointed by the commission. The amounts to be paid these two stewards as compensation for their services shall be paid by the association nominating them, which amounts shall also be considered an additional fee due the state by an association for the privileges granted in its license.
(d) The commission may appoint other stewards to be compensated by it and assign to each such duties as are consistent with this Part; however, such other stewards shall not serve as a steward in the stewards stand during any race meeting conducted under the provisions of this Part, except with the written consent of the association conducting such race meeting.
(e) The commission shall be required to show just cause for not appointing any racing official submitted to it for its approval.
(3)(a) To make an annual report to the governor and the legislature of its operation, its own actions and rulings, and the receipts derived under the provisions of this Part; and to offer such practical suggestions as it deems proper to accomplish more fully the purposes of this Part.
(b) To make an annual report to the governor and the legislature regarding the race calendar, field size, the number of races, handle, attendance, the effect of overlapping race days compared to previous years, and any other relevant matters along with any recommendations to improve the racing industry in the state.
(4) To require of each applicant seeking a license to operate a race meeting an application setting forth:
(a) The full name of the person and, if a corporation, the name of the state under which it is incorporated and the names of the corporation's agents for the service of process within Louisiana.
(b) If an association or corporation, the names of the stockholders and directors of the corporation or the names of the members of the association.
(c) The exact location where it is desired to conduct or hold a racing meet.
(d) Whether or not the racing plant is owned or leased, and if leased the name and address of the owner, or if the owner is a corporation, the names of its directors and shareholders. However, nothing in this Part prevents any person from applying to the commission for a permit to conduct races where the racing plant has not yet been constructed.
(e) A statement of the assets and liabilities of the person applying for a license.
(f) The kind of racing to be conducted and the dates requested.
(g) Such other information as the commission may require.
(5) To require an oath of every applicant, by the person or executive officer of the association or corporation, stating that the information contained in the application is true.
(6) To make rules and regulations for the holding, conducting, and operating of all race meets and races held in Louisiana, provided such regulations are uniform in their application and effect.
(7) To make rules and regulations providing for minimum standards and infrastructure investments required for each association regarding facility maintenance and facility improvements, including but not limited to track surface, barns, grandstands, and paddocks in order for the association or licensee to conduct race meets at a particular track.
(8) To make rules and regulations providing for full-time and seasonal employment recommendations for pari-mutuel windows and kiosk repair staffing in order for the association or licensee to conduct race meets at a particular track.
(9) To make rules and regulations applicable to offtrack wagering facility licensees for pari-mutuel wagering that occurs in a sports book lounge of an entity licensed by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to conduct sports wagering pursuant to Chapter 10 of Title 27 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950.
B. The commission shall not make rules regarding the operation or hours of operation of a racetrack other than matters necessary to the holding of such race meetings and pari-mutuel wagering.
Acts 1968, No. 554, §1. Amended by Acts 1969, No. 36, §1; Acts 1974, No. 626, §1; Acts 1976, No. 589, §1; Acts 2005, No. 260, §1; Acts 2019, No. 221, §2; Acts 2021, No. 436, §§1, 2, eff. July 1, 2021; Acts 2022, No. 525, §1, eff. June 16, 2022; Acts 2022, No. 530, §1, eff. June 16, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 103, §1, eff. July 1, 2023; Acts 2023, No. 258, §1, eff. June 12, 2023.