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MarylandSB 07622026 Regular SessionSenate

Horse Racing - Racetrack Facility Renewal Account Grants - Alterations

Sponsored By: Guy Guzzone (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Horse RacingAnnotated Code of MarylandCertificationsCommerce and Business -see also- ElectrComm; ForeignTr; etc.ConstructionGeneral Services, Department ofGrantsHorsesLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsPlans and ProposalsRacingRevenue and Taxes -see also- (specific tax)Standards and Best PracticesTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tracks must meet race days and $300K

Starting July 1, 2026, to get funding in a year, Rosecroft must run at least 60 live racing days and Ocean Downs at least 40. Exceptions apply if the owners/trainers group agrees or if weather, acts of God, or events beyond the track’s control prevent races. For each year funding is requested, the licensee must spend at least $300,000 on capital maintenance and improvements. If the licensee chooses to provide matching funds, that spending can count toward the $300,000 minimum.

Grants without match, 10-year racing

Beginning July 1, 2026, racetracks can get capital grants without putting in matching money. If a grant is given without a match, the track must run live races in Maryland for at least 10 years after the approved construction plan is certified complete. If the track does not finish the plan, the State Racing Commission takes back the grant. If it stops racing before 10 years, the Commission recaptures money on a pro rata basis. On written request, the Commission, with the Department of General Services, issues written certification when the plan is complete. That certification date starts the 10-year clock.

Funds shift if a track closes

Beginning July 1, 2026, if Rosecroft closes and stops live racing, 75% of its unencumbered balance, including interest, moves to Ocean Downs. If Ocean Downs closes, 75% of its unencumbered balance moves to Rosecroft. This reallocation only applies when a track is closed and no longer used for live racing.

Racetrack grants: oversight, CPA costs, rules

Beginning July 1, 2026, the State Racing Commission must set rules for which projects qualify, how money is split between tracks, and how grants without a match are handled. The Commission may hire a certified public accountant to review a request or spending. If it does, the applicant must reimburse the CPA costs. The law also defines “racing licensee” as a holder of a State Racing Commission license to run a race meeting.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Guy Guzzone

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Malcolm Augustine

    Democratic • Senate

  • Paul D. Corderman

    Republican • Senate

  • Shelly Hettleman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Nancy J. King

    Democratic • Senate

  • Karen Lewis Young

    Democratic • Senate

  • Cory V. McCray

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jim Rosapepe

    Democratic • Senate

  • Johnny Ray Salling

    Republican • Senate

  • Craig J. Zucker

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 224 • No: 0

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 136 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 383

    5/12/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (47-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (136-0)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/9/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {543729/1 Adopted

    4/9/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations

    4/9/2026House

  9. Hearing 3/31 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/26/2026House

  10. Referred Appropriations

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {933623/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Budget and Taxation

    3/19/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/11/2026Senate

  16. First Reading Budget and Taxation

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/12/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/6/2026

    PDF

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