MarylandHB 02282026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Horse Racing - Prohibited Acts - Slaughter of Racehorses for Commercial Purposes

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Signed by Governor

Horse RacingAgriculture, Department ofCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.Committees and CommissionsDeath -see also- Homicide; Murder; Wrongful DeathFines -see also- Penalties and SentencesGaming and GamblingHorsesLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsRacingRecords -see also- Land Records; Vital RecordsRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Rules and RegulationsSports and Recreation

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Penalties and license risks for violators

Beginning July 1, 2026, an individual who violates the law commits a misdemeanor. A first offense can bring up to a $1,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail, or both. A later offense can bring up to a $2,000 fine, up to 1 year in jail, or both. A business faces a fine up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for later offenses. The Racing Commission or the State Department of Agriculture may suspend or revoke licenses they issued after a violation. The agencies must also issue rules to carry out these penalties and procedures.

New rules on racehorse slaughter and sales

Beginning July 1, 2026, no one may slaughter a racehorse in Maryland for any commercial purpose, including for people or animals to eat. You also may not buy, sell, transfer, import, or transport a racehorse if you know or should know it will be commercially slaughtered. The law defines a racehorse to include horses bred or intended for racing, horses with Maryland track workouts or entries, and certain breeding stock. A licensed veterinarian may still humanely euthanize a racehorse for non‑commercial reasons, such as a severe injury or no quality of life.

Fines go to state racing fund

Beginning July 1, 2026, fines collected for these violations flow into the Racing Commission’s Special Fund. The fund uses the money under its existing rules.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 170 • No: 2

Senate vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 43 • No: 0 • Other: 2

House vote • 3/4/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 2 • Other: 12

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 83
4/14/2026
Returned Passed
4/8/2026House
Third Reading Passed (43-0)
4/8/2026Senate
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/1/2026Senate
Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation
4/1/2026Senate
Referred Budget and Taxation
3/5/2026Senate
Third Reading Passed (127-2)
3/4/2026House
Second Reading Passed
3/3/2026House
Favorable Adopted
3/3/2026House
Favorable Report by Appropriations
3/3/2026House
Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.
1/16/2026House
First Reading Appropriations
1/14/2026House
Pre-filed
9/17/2025House

Bill Text

Enacted
4/14/2026
PDF
Third Reading
3/3/2026
PDF
First Reading
1/14/2026
PDF

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