2021 LEGISLATIVE UPDATE for the GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY
HB 609: Support
(more to come)
Resolution for World Spay Day, February 23, 2021
SR 121: Adopted
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59783
HR 191: Adopted
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59861
These Resolutions recognized the importance of spay/neuter and February 23, 2021 as World Spay Day. The Georgia Alliance for Companion Animal Protection, coordinated by the GPC, is proud to have co-lead on the lobbying effort for bipartisan support of this worthwhile Resolution.
Bills to Legalize Parimutuel Betting on Horse Racing
SB 30: Oppose
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59018
SB 30 would establish a Georgia Horse Racing Commission (GHRC) responsible for licensing up to three racetracks with parimutuel betting in the state (Sponsors: Senators Brandon Beach and Ed Harbison). The bill includes historical horse race gaming, simulcasting, and advance-deposit wagering. A hearing in the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee but no vote yet taken. Passage of SB 30 will require a two-thirds majority vote by the Senate and House, along with a majority of voters approving it as a ballot measure in the 2022 election.
SB 212: Oppose
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59904
SR 53: Oppose
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59227
SR 131: Oppose
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59903
HB 538: Oppose
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59838
Rationale: These bills carry financial red flags. The horse racing industry has been in decline for the past 20 years, as evidenced by 38 tracks closures compared to 2 new track openings. To prop up its beleaguered financial status, race tracks have been compelled to partner with other forms of gambling. Furthermore, Georgia simply can not absorb and provide lifetime care for the excess number of horses produced by overbreeding in the racing sector. The GHRC will donate 2/10 of 1% of its revenue for aftercare programs but this insignificant amount creates a massive shortfall with the actual expense that runs into the tens of millions of dollars to care for horses over the remaining 20-30 years of their lifespan. Currently, many unwanted race horses, including Quarter horses and Thoroughbreds, end up in the slaughter pipeline to Mexico and Canada. However, the likely passage of the federal SAFE Act will shut down transport to slaughter, leaving Georgia taxpayers and charities to deal with the oversupply.
HB 433: Support
HB 574: Support
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