Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act passes House
Thursday, October 1, 2020

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On September 29, 2020 the bipartisan Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act passed via voice vote on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Rep. Andy Barr, a republican from Kentucky and Rep. Paul Tonko, a democrat from New York.

The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act includes a ban on race-day doping, the establishment of a uniform national standard for rules and regulations for U.S. horseracing that would be overseen by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) is landmark legislation that would directly address the safety and welfare of racehorses, and the integrity of the sport itself, through better anti-doping measures and racetrack safety standards.

Barr says the passage moves one step closer toward historic reform for the horse racing industry. “This legislation, developed through a highly deliberative and bipartisan process, will ensure the safety of our equine athletes and increase the popularity, public confidence, and international competitiveness of the sport.  I want to thank my House colleagues for supporting this legislation which will usher in a new era for this great Kentucky, and great American, industry.”

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has introduced similar legislation in the Senate and expects the measure to pass and become law prior to the end of the year. The legislation is supported by many groups that range from The Jockey Club, Keeneland and Churchill Downs to the Animal Wellness Action and Humane Society of the United States.

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