House advances Barr’s bipartisan horse racing reform bill

Bipartisan legislation offered by U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) to reform the nation’s horse racing industry received unanimous approval on Sept. 29 from the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) of 2020, H.R. 1754, introduced by lead original cosponsor Rep. Barr and bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY), would establish the Horseracing Anti-Doping and Medication Control Authority.

“With today’s HISA passage in the House, we continue our momentum and move one step closer toward historic reform for the horse racing industry,” Rep. Barr said on Tuesday.

The independent, private, nonprofit corporation established under H.R. 1754 would have responsibility for developing and administering an anti-doping and medication control program for Thoroughbred, Quarter and Standardbred horses that participate in horse races, and for the personnel engaged in the care, training, or racing of such horses, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“Developed through a highly deliberative and bipartisan process,” Rep. Barr said that H.R. 1754 would ensure the safety of the nation’s “equine athletes and increase the popularity, public confidence and international competitiveness of the sport.”

Staci Hancock, managing member of the Water Hay Oats Alliance; James Gagliano, president and chief operating officer at The Jockey Club; Ted Kuster from Shawhan Place; and Antony Beck, president and CEO of Gainesway Farm, applauded House passage of the bill, which on Wednesday advanced to the U.S. Senate, which is considering the same-named, related bill, S. 1820.