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MarylandHB 15982026 Regular SessionHouse

Horse Racing - Racetrack Facility Renewal Account Grants - Alterations

Sponsored By: Aletheia McCaskill (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Horse RacingCertificationsCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.ConstructionGrantsHorsesRacingRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Racetrack upgrade grants with new rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland racing licensees can get grants for capital construction and track upgrades. To qualify, you must submit a capital construction plan and a multiyear plan with goals, timelines, marketing steps, and a master plan that updates spending since January 1, 2018. In each year you request funding, you must spend at least $300,000 on capital maintenance and improvements for each track; approved matching funds can count toward this $300,000. In funded years, Rosecroft must run at least 60 live racing days and Ocean Downs at least 40, unless the owners’ and trainers’ group agrees otherwise or weather or other events prevent it. Any on‑site housing must be upgraded to meet county housing and sanitation standards.

Tougher oversight and payback on grants

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Racing Commission monitors approved construction plans with the Department of General Services and, on request, certifies when a plan is complete. The Commission issues rules on eligible improvements, how funds are split between Rosecroft and Ocean Downs, and how grants without matching funds are handled. If you receive a grant without providing and expending a matching fund, you must run live racing in Maryland for at least 10 years after your plan is finished. If the plan is not finished on time or you do not meet the 10‑year racing requirement, the Commission recaptures grant money on a pro rata basis or as otherwise provided. Applicants must also repay any certified public accountant costs the Commission incurs to review grant requests or spending.

Funds shift if a track closes

Beginning July 1, 2026, if Rosecroft or Ocean Downs closes and stops live racing, 75% of that track’s unencumbered fund balance, including interest, moves to the other track’s share. This protects available money for the remaining live racing operation.

Operating help and Rosecroft worker rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, Ocean Downs and Rosecroft licensees may apply to the Secretary of Labor to be reimbursed for costs to run their annual live racing schedule. For Rosecroft, operating assistance comes with worker rules: the licensee must rehire workers who were employed before June 27, 2008, and must honor collective bargaining agreements in place on June 1, 2008. These conditions protect jobs and agreements while providing operating support.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Aletheia McCaskill

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Karen Toles

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 173 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 46 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 4/9/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 127 • No: 6 • Other: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 382

    5/12/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/13/2026House

  3. Third Reading Passed (46-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Second Reading Passed

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Favorable Adopted

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. Rereferred to Budget and Taxation

    4/13/2026Senate

  8. Referred Rules

    4/10/2026Senate

  9. Third Reading Passed (127-6)

    4/9/2026House

  10. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  11. Favorable with Amendments {863526/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  12. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    4/9/2026House

  13. Hearing 3/18 at 12:45 p.m.

    3/18/2026House

  14. Hearing canceled

    3/18/2026House

  15. Hearing 3/18 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/10/2026House

  16. Rereferred to Appropriations

    3/10/2026House

  17. First Reading House Rules and Executive Nominations

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    4/9/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/16/2026

    PDF

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