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MarylandSB 02312026 Regular SessionSenate

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: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Fines, jail, and license loss for violators

Beginning July 1, 2026, violating these rules is a misdemeanor. For individuals: first offense carries a fine up to $1,000 or up to 1 year in jail, or both. Second or later offenses carry a fine up to $2,000 or up to 1 year in jail, or both. For corporations or other entities: fines are up to $2,500 for a first offense and up to $5,000 for later offenses. The Racing Commission or the Department of Agriculture may suspend or revoke licenses they issued when a violation occurs.

Ban on commercial racehorse slaughter and sales

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland bans commercial slaughter of racehorses. You also may not buy, sell, transfer, import, or transport a racehorse if you know or should know it will be slaughtered for a commercial purpose, including for human or animal food. A racehorse includes horses bred or intended for racing, horses in training or breeding stock, and horses recorded, worked out, or raced at Maryland tracks. Humane euthanasia by a licensed veterinarian for non‑commercial medical reasons, like severe injury or no quality of life, is still allowed.

Fines fund racing programs and new rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, fines from violations go to the state’s Racing Special Fund for the uses allowed by law. The Maryland Racing Commission, working with the Department of Agriculture, must adopt regulations to carry out the ban and penalties.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 171 • No: 8

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 126 • No: 8 • Other: 7

Senate vote • 3/18/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 84

    4/14/2026

  2. Returned Passed

    4/9/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (126-8)

    4/8/2026House

  4. Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed

    4/7/2026House

  5. Favorable Report by Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

  6. Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/21/2026House

  7. Referred Appropriations

    3/18/2026House

  8. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    3/18/2026Senate

  9. Second Reading Passed

    3/13/2026Senate

  10. Favorable Adopted

    3/13/2026Senate

  11. Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Hearing 1/21 at 10:00 a.m.

    1/15/2026Senate

  13. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    1/14/2026Senate

  14. Pre-filed

    9/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    4/14/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/13/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    1/14/2026

    PDF

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