§3056 Racetrack Safety Program

Summary

The Authority must set up a racetrack safety program for all covered horses, covered persons, and covered horseraces by the program effective date. It must do this after giving notice and a chance for public comment under section 3053 and follow registration rules in section 3054(d). While making the program, the Authority and the Commission must consider existing safety guides like the National Thoroughbred Racing Association Safety and Integrity Alliance, the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities agreement, and the British Horseracing Authority program. The program must include rules for training and racing safety, humane treatment and allowed or banned practices, track surface design and upkeep, track safety and movement rules, injury and fatality data and inspections, investigations and enforcement procedures, a schedule of civil penalties, disciplinary hearings (including possible binding arbitration), research and education, and a system to accredit racetracks. A racetrack safety committee will develop uniform standards. At least 120 days before the program starts, the Authority must issue accreditation standards and the process by rule under section 3053. The Authority can change those rules with public notice and may extend provisional accreditation to tracks accredited by the NTRA Safety and Integrity Alliance before the program starts. Within one year after the program starts, the Authority must create a nationwide database of racehorse safety, performance, health, and injury data for an epidemiological study and may require covered persons to submit needed information under section 3054(d).