Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB0685

Amends the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. Provides that an application for an organization license shall be submitted to the Illinois Racing Board and that the Board may grant the license at any of its meetings. Provides the timeline for the application process, including if an application is rejected and the Board advises the applicant of the deficiencies and allows the applicant to resubmit the application. Provides that if the application is found to be in compliance with the Act and the Board's rules, the Board shall then issue an organization license to the applicant (rather than providing that the organization license shall be granted upon application). Changes the bond requirement for an applicant for an organization license. Provides that the Board may appoint the Director of Mutuels to serve as the State director for inter-track wagering and simulcast wagering by inter-track wagering licensees and inter-track wagering location licensees. Provides that the pari-mutuel tax imposed at all pari-mutuel wagering facilities and on advance deposit wagering shall be remitted to the Board (rather than the Department of Revenue). Provides that the Board shall distribute contributed funds to a charitable organization on a schedule determined by the Board, based on the charitable organization's estimated expenditures related to the grant (rather than by December 31 of each year). Provides that any funds not expended by the grantee in a grant year shall be distributed to the charitable organization or charitable organizations selected in the next grant year after the funds are recovered. Repeals provisions requiring the Board and the Department of Agriculture to establish a program to conduct drug testing on horses at county fairs. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.

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