reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 10 - Motor Fuel and Lubricants › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 10-502 - Games of Chance

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a refiner or other supplier of motor fuel to a retail service station may not engage in, sponsor, promote, advertise, or otherwise perform or participate in a game of chance to be marketed or offered to the public at a retail service station in the State.
(b)    (1)    A supplier of motor fuel authorized under this title to supply retail service stations may, at such stations, sponsor, promote, advertise, or otherwise perform or participate in a game of chance if the retail service station dealer agrees to participate in the game of chance.
(2)    A supplier of motor fuel authorized under this section to conduct a game of chance may not require a retail service station dealer to participate in the game of chance.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 10 - Motor Fuel and Lubricants › Subtitle 5 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 10-503 - Prohibition of Sale of Motor Fuel for Dirt Bikes

(a)    In this section, “dirt bike” has the meaning stated in § 21–1128 of the Transportation Article.
(b)    This section applies only in Baltimore City.
(c)    A retail service station dealer shall post a sign in a conspicuous location at the retail service station that states:
(1)    the provisions of the Baltimore City Code that prohibit a service station or any other person from selling, transferring, or dispensing motor fuel for delivery into a dirt bike; and
(2)    the provisions of § 21–1128 of the Transportation Article that prohibit a person from dispensing motor fuel into a dirt bike.
(d)    The Comptroller, in consultation with the Washington, Maryland, Delaware Service Station and Automotive Repair Association, shall adopt guidelines for the design of a sign required under this section.
(e)    If a retail service station dealer does not post a sign as required by this section, the retail service station dealer:
(1)    for a first offense, shall receive a warning; and
(2)    for a second or subsequent offense, is subject to a civil penalty of $100.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 11-101 - Definitions

(a)    In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Breakage” means the odd cents that remain after all successful bettors are paid to the next lowest multiple of 10 cents.
(c)    “Central Repository” means the Criminal Justice Information System Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
(d)    “Commission” means the State Racing Commission.
(e)    “Handle” means the gross amount, less refunds, of money bet.
(f)    “Harness racing” means the racing of horses that trot or pace in harness while pulling drivers in sulkies.
(g)    “Intertrack betting” means:
(1)    pari-mutuel betting at a receiving track in the State on a race that is:
(i)    held live or by interstate simulcast at a sending track in the State; and
(ii)    shown simultaneously by video signal at the receiving track; and
(2)    transmission of the bets at the receiving track to the sending track.
(h)    “License” means a license issued by the Commission to hold a race meeting.
(i)    “Licensee” means a person who has been awarded racing days for the current calendar year.
(j)    “Mile thoroughbred racing” means thoroughbred horse races at a track that is at least 1 mile long.
(k)    “Multiple mutuel pool” means a separate pari-mutuel betting pool in which an interest is represented by a single bet on 2 or more horses.
(l)    “Mutuel pool” includes a multiple mutuel pool and a regular mutuel pool.
(m)    “Pari-mutuel betting” means the system of betting in which those who successfully bet on horses that finish in specified positions share the mutuel pool, less the takeout and the breakage.
(n)    “Purse” means the prize money divided among the owners of horses that finish in specified positions in a race.
(o)    “Race meeting” means a period of time to hold racing that extends between specific dates over a number of racing days at a single track.
(p)    “Racing” includes:
(1)    harness racing;
(2)    mile thoroughbred racing;
(3)    special thoroughbred racing;
(4)    steeplechase or hurdle racing;
(5)    flat racing; and
(6)    quarter horse racing.
(q)    “Receiving track” means a track where pari-mutuel betting is done on races held at another track.
(r)    “Regular mutuel pool” means a separate pari-mutuel betting pool in which an interest is represented by a single bet on 1 horse.
(s)    “Sending track” means a track where a race is held live or by interstate simulcast and is sent simultaneously by video signal to a receiving track or a satellite simulcast facility under Subtitle 8, Part III of this title.
(t)    “Special thoroughbred racing” means thoroughbred horse racing held by the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc., or the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission.
(u)    “Takeout” means the part of the handle that is not returned to successful bettors but is otherwise allocated under this title.
(v)    “Track” means a place where racing is held.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 11-102 - Contrary Local Laws Invalid

(a)    This title is statewide and exclusive in its effect.
(b)    A county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision of the State may not:
(1)    make or enforce a local law, ordinance, or regulation about racing; or
(2)    impose or collect any tax or additional license fee as to racing, except the general property tax.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 1 - Definitions; General Provisions › Section 11-103 - Scope of Title

Unless pari-mutuel betting is held, this title does not apply to:
(1)    the Elkridge-Harford Point to Point;
(2)    the Grand National;
(3)    the Marlboro Trials;
(4)    the Maryland Hunt Cup;
(5)    the Potomac Trials;
(6)    a race at the Cape Pine Farm in Church Hill, Queen Anne’s County;
(7)    a race held by the Pocomoke City Fair Committee, Inc. on any day during and in conjunction with the Great Pocomoke Fair; and
(8)    any other steeplechase or hunt-type race.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-204 - Quorum; Meetings; Compensation; Bond

(a)    Except as provided in § 11-310 of this title, a majority of the members then serving on the Commission is a quorum.
(b)    The Commission shall meet in the State, at the times and places that the Commission determines.
(c)    Each member of the Commission is entitled to:
(1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and
(2)    reimbursement under the Standard State Travel Regulations for expenses for each Commission meeting attended, as provided in the State budget.
(d)    While in office, each member of the Commission shall be covered by a surety bond in the form and amount required by law.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-205 - Executive Director

(a)    (1)    With the approval of the Governor, the Secretary shall appoint an executive director for the Commission from a list of at least 3 nominees submitted by the Commission.
(2)    The executive director is in the executive service in the State Personnel Management System and serves at the pleasure of the Secretary.
(b)    The executive director shall:
(1)    collect the taxes and fees imposed under this title or regulations adopted by the Commission;
(2)    keep the records and papers of the Commission, including a record of each proceeding;
(3)    administer the licensing of individuals who work in connection with racing;
(4)    prepare, issue, and submit reports of the Commission;
(5)    administer the daily operation of the office of the Commission; and
(6)    perform any other duty that the Commission directs.
(c)    With the approval of the Commission, the executive director shall set the conditions under which a licensee must add to, change, make a reasonable improvement to, or repair property that a licensee owns or leases for racing.
(d)    The executive director is entitled to:
(1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and
(2)    reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-206 - Staff

(a)    With the approval of the Commission and, except as otherwise provided by law, subject to the provisions of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, the executive director shall appoint a staff of the Commission.
(b)    (1)    The Commission may employ 4 stewards and 4 harness judges.
(2)    The stewards and harness judges shall be recommended by the executive director.
(3)    Each licensee and organization that represents owners and trainers may recommend individuals to the Commission and executive director for appointment as stewards or harness judges.
(4)    The stewards and harness judges are special appointments of the skilled service or the professional service in the State Personnel Management System.
(c)    Each member of the staff of the Commission, steward, and harness judge is entitled to:
(1)    compensation in accordance with the State budget; and
(2)    reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
(d)    An individual who holds a position under the Commission may not hold an official relation to a licensee or hold any stocks, bonds, or other financial interest in a licensee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-207 - Additional Employees and Track Employees

(a)    On the recommendation of the executive director, the Commission may employ additional employees or agents, including auditors, experts, guards, inspectors, a breathalyzer operator at each harness racing track, scientists, Commission secretaries, specimen collectors, veterinarians, and others whom the Commission considers to be essential at or in connection with a race meeting in the best interests of racing.
(b)    The licensee who holds the race meeting for which an additional employee is used shall pay:
(1)    the employer contribution for the employee under the Employees’ Pension System;
(2)    the employer contribution, as determined by the Department of Budget and Management, for the retiree under § 2-508 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article; and
(3)    an amount required under § 23-306.1(b) of the State Personnel and Pensions Article, if any.
(c)    A licensee who holds a race meeting shall employ and pay the officials at the race meeting, other than stewards and harness judges, including each clerk of the course, clerk of the scales, handicapper, paddock judge, patrol judge, placing judge, racing secretary, starter, assistant starter, and timer.
(d)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, if a licensee is required to allocate 0.25% of handle to either the Maryland Race Track Employees Pension Fund or the Maryland Harness Track Employees Pension Fund, the licensee shall first pay from the allocation any amounts required to be paid by the licensee under subsection (b) of this section and the remainder shall be paid to the appropriate pension fund.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-208 - Cooperation by Law Enforcement Officers

(a)    Each law enforcement officer shall cooperate with the Commission to enforce this title.
(b)    On request of the Commission, the Governor may order the Police Commissioner of Baltimore City or the sheriff of a county to assign enough law enforcement officers to prevent unauthorized racing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-209 - General Powers of Commission

(a)    Besides its other powers under this title, the Commission has the powers necessary or proper to carry out fully all the purposes of this title.
(b)    (1)    The jurisdiction, supervision, powers, and duties of the Commission extend to each person who holds racing for a purse, reward, or stake.
(2)    In exercising the jurisdiction, supervision, powers, and duties of the Commission under this title, the Commission shall consider, in addition to any other factor the Commission considers important, the health, safety, and welfare of horses engaged in racing and training at tracks and training facilities in the State.
(c)    (1)    The Commission shall establish an Equine Health, Safety, and Welfare Advisory Committee.
(2)    The Executive Director of the Commission shall appoint a member of the Commission to chair the Advisory Committee.
(3)    The Advisory Committee consists of the following members:
(i)    three members of the Commission, appointed by the Executive Director of the Commission;
(ii)    one representative of each racing licensee;
(iii)    one representative of the horsemen, appointed by an organization that represents the horsemen;
(iv)    one representative of the horse breeders, appointed by an organization that represents the horse breeders;
(v)    the Commission’s Equine Medical Director;
(vi)    a veterinarian licensed in the State; and
(vii)    any other individual with expertise in equine or racing industries that the Executive Director of the Commission appoints.
(4)    The Executive Director of the Commission shall determine the time and location of Advisory Committee meetings.
(5)    The Advisory Committee shall serve as an advisory body to the Commission on matters related to the health, safety, and welfare of horses engaged in racing and training at tracks and training facilities in the State.
(6)    The Chairman of the Advisory Committee shall report regularly to the Commission on the activities of the Advisory Committee, including any recommendations for changes to rules, regulations, laws, or other conditions of racing.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-210 - Regulatory Power of Commission

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Commission may:
(1)    adopt regulations and conditions to govern racing and betting on racing in the State; and
(2)    approve or disapprove:
(i)    prices that a licensee may set for admission to a race, a service performed, or an article sold at a track; and
(ii)    the size of the purse, reward, or stake to be offered at a race.
(b)    The Commission may not adopt regulations that allow:
(1)    racing a breed of horse not now authorized by law; or
(2)    holding currently unauthorized:
(i)    intertrack betting;
(ii)    off-track betting; or
(iii)    telephone betting other than telephone account betting.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-211 - Powers to Investigate, Remove Employees and Officials, and Require Record Keeping

(a)    The Commission may:
(1)    enter or investigate the office, track, or place of business of a licensee to ensure that the regulations of the Commission are strictly complied with; and
(2)    place an expert accountant or other individual in the office, track, or place of business of a licensee and require that the licensee pay the salary and expenses of the expert accountant or other individual.
(b)    The Commission may require that an employee or official of the licensee be removed from the job.
(c)    The Commission may require that a licensee keep financial records in the way that the Commission determines.
(d)    The Commission may administer oaths.
(e)    The Commission may issue a subpoena for the attendance of a witness to testify or to produce evidence.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-212 - Testing Laboratory

(a)    The Commission may maintain a testing laboratory and have tests done elsewhere.
(b)    (1)    Each licensee shall pay a fraction of the yearly costs of the testing laboratory and of the tests done elsewhere.
(2)    The numerator of the fraction shall be the number of racing days with pari-mutuel betting privileges that the licensee holds during the year.
(3)    The denominator of the fraction shall be the whole number of racing days with pari-mutuel betting privileges held in the State during the year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 2 - State Racing Commission › Section 11-213 - Annual Report

(a)    On or before September 15 of each year, the Commission shall submit a report to the Secretary and, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, the Legislative Policy Committee about the preceding calendar year.
(b)    Each report shall include:
(1)    a statement of receipts and disbursements of the Commission;
(2)    a summary of major events that occurred the preceding year that affected horse racing in the State, including any significant changes at tracks in the region as well as a discussion of legislative initiatives in the State;
(3)    a 5–year assessment of each track regarding:
(i)    attendance;
(ii)    purse distributions;
(iii)    live racing days that are allocated and used;
(iv)    betting on live racing that is held at that track broken down by the following categories:
1.    betting conducted at the live track;
2.    betting conducted at other Maryland tracks;
3.    betting conducted at satellite simulcast facilities in the State; and
4.    betting conducted through out–of–state satellite simulcasting;
(v)    betting that is conducted at the live track on races simulcast from other tracks in the State; and
(vi)    betting that is conducted at the live track on races simulcast from out–of–state tracks;
(4)    information on all simulcast betting at satellite simulcast facilities in the State, including information on how much is wagered on in–State races and how much is bet on out–of–state races;
(5)    information on all simulcast betting that is conducted out of state on races being run live in this State;
(6)    to the extent available, information on the breeding industry in the State, including:
(i)    the number of breeders in the State;
(ii)    the number of foals registered in the State;
(iii)    the average sales prices of foals; and
(iv)    any other information pertaining to the regional and national ranking of the State for breeding;
(7)    all other information that is currently provided by the Commission in its annual report;
(8)    additional information on satellite simulcast facilities, as required under § 11–831 of this title;
(9)    a summary of the activities of the Equine Health, Safety, and Welfare Advisory Committee and any recommendations by the Commission for changes to State law necessary for the enhancement of the health, safety, or welfare of horses engaged in racing and training at tracks and training facilities in the State; and
(10)    any other information that is useful in explaining the financial viability of horse racing in the State and any recommendations to improve the industry.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-301 - "Beneficial Ownership" Defined

In this subtitle, “beneficial ownership” includes:
(1)    record ownership;
(2)    stock or other ownership in an entity in a chain of parent and subsidiary or affiliated entities, any 1 of which participates in the capital or profits of a licensee, regardless of the percentage of ownership involved;
(3)    an interest that entitles a person to benefits substantially equivalent to ownership by an agreement, relationship, or other arrangement even though the person is not an owner of record; and
(4)    unless there are special circumstances, ownership of a security by a relative of an individual who lives in the home of the individual.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-303 - Applications for Licenses

(a)    An applicant for a license shall submit to the executive director of the Commission an application:
(1)    in the form that the Commission requires; and
(2)    on or before a day that the Commission sets.
(b)    The application shall state:
(1)    the dates of the race meetings desired;
(2)    the maximum number of racing days desired; and
(3)    any other information that the Commission requires.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-304 - Issuance of License

(a)    The Commission shall issue a license to each applicant who:
(1)    is awarded racing days in a race meeting; and
(2)    pays the appropriate license fee.
(b)    A license shall state:
(1)    the dates of the race meeting awarded;
(2)    the total number of racing days awarded; and
(3)    the kind of racing to be held.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-307 - Return of Fees; Award of Replacement Days

(a)    (1)    On request of a licensee, the Commission may return to the licensee a fee paid for racing on a day when the licensee fails to hold racing if:
(i)    on that day, racing is impossible, impracticable, or inadvisable;
(ii)    the licensee is not in default; and
(iii)    the reason for the lack of racing is beyond the control of the licensee.
(2)    The decision of the Commission is final.
(b)    If a licensee does not hold racing on the full number of its authorized racing days because of bad weather conditions, the Commission may award to the licensee replacement races or racing days.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-308 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations -- Grounds; Penalty

(a)    Subject to the hearing provisions of §§ 11-309 and 11-310 of this subtitle, the Commission may deny a license to an applicant or discipline a licensee in accordance with this section.
(b)    The Commission may deny a license to any applicant for any reason that the Commission considers sufficient.
(c)    (1)    The Commission may reprimand any licensee or suspend or revoke a license if the licensee violates:
(i)    this title;
(ii)    a regulation adopted under this title; or
(iii)    a condition set by the Commission.
(2)    The Commission shall suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee fails to:
(i)    keep records and make reports of ownership of stock that are required under § 11-314 of this subtitle; or
(ii)    make a reasonable effort to get affidavits required under § 11-314(b) and (c) of this subtitle.
(d)    (1)    The Commission may impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each racing day that the licensee is in violation of subsection (c) of this section:
(i)    instead of suspending or revoking a license under subsection (c)(1) of this section; and
(ii)    in addition to suspending or revoking a license under subsection (c)(2) of this section.
(2)    To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Commission shall consider:
(i)    the seriousness of the violation;
(ii)    the harm caused by the violation; and
(iii)    the good faith or lack of good faith of the licensee.
(3)    A penalty imposed on a licensee shall be paid from the licensee’s share of the takeout.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-309 - Denials, Reprimands, Suspensions, and Revocations -- Hearings

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Commission takes any final action under § 11-308 of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Commission or, as provided under § 11-310 of this subtitle, a hearing committee.
(b)    The Commission shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.
(c)    If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated does not appear, nevertheless the Commission may hear and determine the matter.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-310 - Racing Commission Hearing Committee

(a)    The Commission may delegate to a hearing committee of at least 3 of its members the power to hold adjudicatory proceedings under this title, including evidentiary hearings.
(b)    (1)    A unanimous decision by the hearing committee is binding and is a final decision of the Commission.
(2)    If the decision of the hearing committee is not unanimous, a de novo hearing shall be conducted by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-311 - Judicial Review

A party to a proceeding before the Commission who is aggrieved by a final decision of the Commission in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-313 - Financial Disclosure by Licensees

(a)    The Commission shall require a licensee, and each officer or stockholder of a licensee, to disclose to the Commission each financial interest that the person has in racing.
(b)    On or before the 90th day following the end of a licensee’s fiscal year, the licensee shall submit to the Commission in the form that the Commission requires:
(1)    an itemized statement under oath for the preceding fiscal year of receipts from all sources and of all expenses and disbursements, including salaries of officers, attorney fees, and lobbying expenses; and
(2)    a certified audit by a certified public accountant of the financial records of the licensee for the preceding fiscal year.
(c)    The audited statements of all licensees shall be sent to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-314 - Beneficial Ownership

(a)    The Commission shall require each licensee to keep records that show the beneficial ownership of the stock of the licensee, whether or not the beneficial ownership is registered or stated on the stock.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall require a licensee at least once each calendar year to get by written request an affidavit from each owner of record of the licensee.
(2)    The affidavit shall state, to the best of the affiant’s knowledge, information, and belief:
(i)    whether a person other than the affiant has a right of beneficial ownership in the stock held in the name of the affiant;
(ii)    the name and address of any other person who has a right of beneficial ownership; and
(iii)    the amount and nature of the beneficial ownership.
(c)    (1)    If a licensee learns that a person, other than a record owner of stock in a licensee, has a beneficial ownership interest in stock of the licensee, the licensee promptly shall request in writing that the person submit an affidavit within 60 days to the licensee.
(2)    The affidavit shall state to the best of the affiant’s knowledge, information, and belief:
(i)    whether the affiant has a right of beneficial ownership in the stock of the licensee that is described in the notice;
(ii)    the amount and nature of the beneficial ownership;
(iii)    whether a person other than the affiant and the record owner has a right of ownership of any kind in that stock of the licensee; and
(iv)    the amount and nature of the ownership of that stock by a person other than the affiant and the record owner.
(d)    Notwithstanding the affidavit requirements of this section, the Commission may excuse the reporting of beneficial ownership that is less than 2% of the licensee.
(e)    (1)    A licensee shall submit the beneficial ownership records and affidavits required under this section to the Commission at least once each year and at any other time that the Commission requires.
(2)    A licensee shall report promptly to the Commission each change in beneficial ownership.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-315 - Disclosure Statements to Be Signed Under Oath

A statement required to be submitted to the Commission under § 11-313 or § 11-314 of this subtitle shall be under oath and signed by each officer of the corporate licensee or by the owner or each partner of an unincorporated licensee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-316 - Background Review of Prospective Buyers

(a)    Before a prospective buyer buys a majority controlling interest in a licensee, the Commission shall review the personal and financial background of the prospective buyer.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.
(2)    The regulations shall:
(i)    require a personal and financial background check of the prospective buyer;
(ii)    specify a period of time to review the required personal and financial information before a purchase or transfer of racing days is made; and
(iii)    require that notice and an invitation to comment be given to the Legislative Policy Committee at least 15 days before final approval of a purchase or transfer of racing days resulting from a purchase.
(3)    The background check shall include:
(i)    a review by a certified public accountant of certified financial statements, including contingent or pledged liabilities, sufficient to determine the ability of the prospective buyer to buy and maintain the licensee;
(ii)    an income statement for the most recent year;
(iii)    a statement of financial and related records of any person in which the prospective buyer has at least a majority interest;
(iv)    a disclosure of each financial interest in racing;
(v)    a disclosure of each person who will have beneficial ownership of the licensee as a result of the purchase;
(vi)    a criminal history records check under § 11-312 of this subtitle; and
(vii)    a character review.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-317 - Transfers

Before a license or racing days may be transferred to a buyer or a lessee of a track:
(1)    the Legislative Policy Committee shall have been notified at least 15 days before the transfer;
(2)    the Legislative Policy Committee, if it has chosen to do so, shall have provided comment to the Commission about the transfer; and
(3)    the transfer shall have been approved by the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-318 - Approval Required for Agreements and Improvements

The Commission may require a licensee to get its approval before the licensee:
(1)    contracts to pay money;
(2)    sets a salary, fee, or compensation to be paid; or
(3)    builds, extends, or improves a track or structure on property that the licensee owns or leases.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 3 - Licensing and Responsibilities of Licensees › Section 11-319 - Administration of Pension Funds

(a)    The Maryland Backstretch Employees Pension Fund shall be administered by the organization that represents a majority of the owners and trainers who race thoroughbred horses in the State.
(b)    The Maryland Race Track Employees Pension Fund shall be administered by representatives of:
(1)    each mile thoroughbred racing licensee;
(2)    the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc.; and
(3)    the employees of the licensees and of the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc.
(c)    The Maryland Harness Track Employees Pension Fund shall be administered by representatives of each harness racing licensee and its employees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-402 - Composition

The Special Fund consists of:
(1)    the State share of daily licensee fees;
(2)    pari–mutuel taxes;
(3)    the impact aid under § 11–812 of this title;
(4)    money from uncashed pari–mutuel tickets that are from bets made into the betting pools of licensees;
(5)    any permit fees under §§ 11–820 and 11–832 of this title; and
(6)    subject to § 11–403(a)(9) and (b) of this subtitle, money from the State Lottery Fund distributed under § 9–120(b) of the State Government Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-403 - Use -- Annual Grants

(a)    The Comptroller shall pay from the Special Fund an annual grant of:
(1)    $825,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board to promote State and county agricultural fairs and exhibits;
(2)    $100,000 to Prince George’s County to replace money formerly received from the admissions and amusement tax;
(3)    $40,000 to the Great Frederick Fair to support exhibition harness racing with money for construction and maintenance of new stalls, track maintenance, and purses;
(4)    $50 to the City of Bowie for each day that the training facilities are open at the Bowie Race Course Training Center;
(5)    $75,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc., to promote and enhance statewide agricultural education;
(6)    an amount not to exceed $30,000 in fiscal year 1998 and $20,000 in each fiscal year thereafter to the Great Pocomoke Fair, Inc. to support exhibition harness racing with money for construction and maintenance of new stalls, track maintenance, and purses;
(7)    $500,000 to the Maryland Million, Ltd. to support and promote the running of Maryland Million races;
(8)    $350,000 to the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund for the Sire Stakes Program; and
(9)    beginning July 1, 2017, from the money distributed under § 9–120(b) of the State Government Article up to $500,000 to a purse for the Maryland International thoroughbred race under § 11–522.1 of this title.
(b)    (1)    In fiscal year 2017, the Comptroller shall pay, from the money distributed to the Special Fund, $500,000 to the Maryland Racing Commission to be used, in a manner determined by the Maryland Racing Commission, for a bonus award program for Maryland–bred or Maryland–sired horses running in the Preakness Stakes.
(2)    The Maryland Racing Commission shall consult with representatives of the thoroughbred racing industry prior to establishing the rules and criteria for the bonus award program.
(3)    If, under the rules of the bonus award program, funds remain in the program after the Preakness Stakes is conducted on one or more occasions, remaining funds shall carry over to the next fiscal year and may not revert to the General Fund.
(c)    If the Maryland State Fair remains at the Timonium Fair Grounds, the Comptroller shall pay from the Special Fund an annual grant of:
(1)    $500,000 to the Maryland State Fair and Agricultural Society, Inc., to:
(i)    promote and enhance the Maryland State Fair; and
(ii)    maintain and develop youth programs, with premium money provided to organizations, such as 4–H Clubs and the Future Farmers of America, for recognition and awards; and
(2)    $50,000 to Baltimore County to replace the money formerly received by the county under this subtitle.
(d)    Any amounts paid by the Comptroller for the purposes specified under subsections (a)(9) and (b) of this section shall remain available for those purposes and may not be used for any other purpose.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-404 - Use -- Grants in Half-Yearly Installments

(a)    (1)    To help pay for facilities and services in communities within 2 miles of the Pimlico Race Course or 3 miles of the Laurel Race Course, the Comptroller shall pay money to Baltimore City, the City of Laurel, and Anne Arundel and Howard counties in accordance with this section.
(2)    The money shall be paid from the Special Fund in an annual grant.
(b)    In any year, payments required under this section may not be less than the total allocated for 140 days of live racing at each track.
(c)    (1)    If 140 or more days of live racing in a year are held at Pimlico Race Course, the Comptroller shall pay to Baltimore City:
(i)    $2,800 for each day of live racing; and
(ii)    $1,400 for each additional day of intertrack betting without live racing held.
(2)    If fewer than 140 days of live racing in a year are held at Pimlico Race Course, the Comptroller shall pay to Baltimore City:
(i)    $2,800 for each day of live racing or intertrack betting without live racing held, up to a maximum payment for 140 days; and
(ii)    $1,400 for each additional day of intertrack betting without live racing held.
(d)    (1)    If 140 or more days of live racing in a year are held at Laurel Race Course, the Comptroller shall pay:
(i)    for each day of live racing, $2,000 to Anne Arundel County, $500 to Howard County, and $300 to the City of Laurel; and
(ii)    for each additional day of intertrack betting without live racing held, $1,000 to Anne Arundel County, $250 to Howard County, and $150 to the City of Laurel.
(2)    If fewer than 140 days of live racing in a year are held at Laurel Race Course, the Comptroller shall pay:
(i)    for each day of live racing or each day of intertrack betting without live racing held, up to a maximum payment for 140 days, $2,000 to Anne Arundel County, $500 to Howard County, and $300 to the City of Laurel; and
(ii)    for each additional day of intertrack betting without live racing held, $1,000 to Anne Arundel County, $250 to Howard County, and $150 to the City of Laurel.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-404.1 - Allocations From Special Fund

(a)    If in any fiscal year revenues to the Special Fund established under § 11–402 of this subtitle are insufficient to fully fund all grants required under §§ 11–403 and 11–404 of this subtitle, the Comptroller shall proportionally reduce the amount of payments required under §§ 11–403(a)(2) and (4), 11–403(c)(2), and 11–404 of this subtitle.
(b)    If in any fiscal year revenues to the Special Fund established under § 11–402 of this subtitle are sufficient to fully fund all grants required under §§ 11–403 and 11–404 of this subtitle, after all required deductions from the Special Fund are made, the Comptroller shall pay from the Special Fund an annual grant of:
(1)    $300,000 to be allocated in the following way:
(i)    70% to the Maryland–Bred Race Fund; and
(ii)    30% to the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund, to be divided equally between the Sire Stakes Program and the Foaled Stakes Program; and
(2)    $260,000 to the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund established under § 2–206 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, with $130,000 to be allocated to support the operations of the Rural Maryland Council.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-405 - Annual Reports

(a)    The fiscal officer of each subdivision that is eligible to receive money under § 11-404 of this subtitle shall submit a written certification to the Comptroller and, subject to § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the Department of Legislative Services on or before November 1 of each year.
(b)    The fiscal officer’s certification shall state:
(1)    the purposes for which Special Fund money received under § 11-404 of this subtitle was spent or committed during the fiscal year that ends on the June 30 before the report is submitted; and
(2)    that the subdivision will hold Special Fund money in a special account and use the money only to help services and facilities within 2 miles of the Pimlico Race Course or 3 miles of the Laurel Race Course.
(c)    (1)    The Comptroller may not pay Special Fund money to a subdivision unless the fiscal officer of the subdivision submits a timely certification required under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The Comptroller shall place Special Fund money withheld under paragraph (1) of this subsection in a special account and add it to the money available for payment to the subdivision in the next fiscal year.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 4 - Special Fund › Section 11-406 - Disposition of Remaining Funds After Deductions Made

After all deductions from the Special Fund as required by §§ 11-403, 11-404, and 11-404.1 of this subtitle are made, money that remains in the Special Fund shall be allocated in the following way:
(1)    50% to the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Fund established under § 2-206 of the State Finance and Procurement Article, with one-third of these funds to be allocated to support the operations of the Rural Maryland Council; and
(2)    50% to be allocated in the following way:
(i)    70% to the Maryland-Bred Race Fund; and
(ii)    30% to the Maryland Standardbred Race Fund, to be divided equally between the Sire Stakes Program and the Foaled Stakes Program.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part I - General Provisions › Section 11-503 - Stalls

(a)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a licensee shall give preference in stall allocation to a trainer:
(i)    who has a permanent residence in the State; and
(ii)    whose horse qualifies under the eligibility rules that the Commission or a licensee adopts.
(2)    A licensee need not allocate more than 60% of the licensee’s stalls to trainers who have permanent residences in the State.
(3)    A trainer who claims a preferential action under this subsection shall give the licensee an affidavit stating the qualifications and condition of each horse for which the trainer requests a stall.
(b)    (1)    This subsection applies to trainers who:
(i)    are from the northeastern area of the State; and
(ii)    were chosen originally by the licensee as eligible for stall space.
(2)    The Commission shall seek cooperation among licensees to ensure that, when horses are stabled for a race meeting at a track in the State, consideration is given to assigning a trainer, to the extent practicable and without charge, a stall nearest to the county of residence of the trainer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part II - Mile Thoroughbred Racing › Section 11-508 - Notice of License and Fees

(a)    If an applicant qualifies for a license under this title, the Commission shall send the applicant a notice stating:
(1)    the fact that the applicant has qualified for a license;
(2)    the dates of the race meeting awarded;
(3)    the total number of racing days awarded; and
(4)    the kind of racing to be held.
(b)    Before the Commission may issue a license to an applicant, the applicant shall pay to the Commission a license fee of $25 for each racing day of a race meeting.
(c)    A licensee shall pay each year $3,000 to the Maryland Horse Breeders Association, Inc.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part II - Mile Thoroughbred Racing › Section 11-509 - Payment of Taxes

(a)    A licensee shall pay to the Commission within 10 days after each racing day the State tax imposed in this subtitle on the handle for that racing day.
(b)    A licensee or an agent of the licensee shall submit with the daily tax payment a statement under oath of the handle for that day.
(c)    The Commission shall pay promptly to the Comptroller all taxes collected under this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part II - Mile Thoroughbred Racing › Section 11-510 - Restrictions Concerning Mile Tracks. [Effective Until July 1, 2027]

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Commission may not issue a license, or award racing days, for racing at a mile track.
(b)    The Commission may issue a license and award racing days only to:
(1)    the Maryland Jockey Club of Baltimore City, Inc.; and
(2)    the Laurel Racing Assoc., Inc.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part II - Mile Thoroughbred Racing › Section 11-511 - Racing Days

(a)    (1)    On or before December 1, the Commission shall award all racing days for the next calendar year.
(2)    However, the Commission may meet after December 1 to award racing days that are requested in applications.
(b)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission may award for any calendar year up to the number of racing days requested by an applicant.
(2)    The Commission shall award at least 180 live racing days combined between Laurel Park in Anne Arundel County and Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore City in each calendar year unless:
(i)    otherwise agreed to by a majority of the racing licensees, the organization that represents the majority of licensed thoroughbred owners and trainers in the State, and a group that represents a majority of the thoroughbred breeders in the State; or
(ii)    the racing licensee is prevented by weather, acts of God, or other circumstances beyond the racing licensee’s control.
(c)    The decision of the Commission on the award of a racing day is final.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Business Regulation › Title 11 - Horse Racing › Subtitle 5 - Thoroughbred Racing › Part II - Mile Thoroughbred Racing › Section 11-512 - Transfer of Race Meetings

Subject to the hearing provisions of § 11-513 of this subtitle, the Commission may authorize a licensee to transfer a race meeting from the licensee’s own track to another track:
(1)    on receipt of the appropriate license fees; and
(2)    with the express consent of the owner or lessee of the track to which the transfer is made.