Bob Fox's Legislative Analysis

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 27, 2003) -- Senate Constitutional Amendment (SCA) 10 was originally introduced by Senators Florez and Brulte on Feb. 21. No action had been taken on it, and CTBA was monitoring it until it was amended on June 18. The amended version can be accessed on the CTBA's legislative page and we encourage everyone to read it.

The measure is supported by some, if not all, of the Indian Tribes and it would have a devastating effect on horseracing and the State's card clubs.

This resolution would provide that any "expansion of legal gaming activities" could only be approved by either a two-thirds vote of the legislature, or by an initiative measure.

It goes on to say that expansion of legal gaming activities means "any change, increase, or extension of any gambling and other types of gaming, including, but not limited to, slot machines, lottery games, and banking and percentage card games in any manner, by a machine or device, or by a category of persons, groups, organizations, corporations, or other entities."

It is clear that this resolution would require that almost any decision, either by the CHRB or the Legislature, that results in additional races, additional satellite facilities, additional wagering opportunities, or almost anything else would be subject to the provisions of this Constitutional Amendment.

The measure has been double referred to the Senate GO Committee and the Senate Constitutional Amendments Committee and will be heard first in GO. The racing lobbyists are making appointments with each member of the GO Committee to express our strong opposition to the measure.

To require that any "expansion of legal gaming activities" must be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of both houses of the Legislature, or by an initiative, appears to be nothing more than an attempt to limit any expansion, and therefore the very survival of horseracing. This measure is a very serious threat to the viability of racing and must be defeated.

CTBA will provide additional information on the measure and we encourage every member to contact the members of the Senate GO Committee. The list of members can be found on the website.

As we meet with the Committee members, we will provide updated information on our progress and we urge every CTBA member to actively oppose SCA 10.

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