Horse racing: jockey riding fees.

Existing law, the Horse Racing Law, generally vests the administration of horse racing with the California Horse Racing Board, and requires the board to set minimum jockey riding fees. Existing law also prohibits the paymaster of a racing association or racing fair from disbursing any sum from a jockey's compensation to any person other than the jockey, except as specified. A violation of the Horse Racing Law, where no other penalty is expressed, is a misdemeanor. This bill would require the board not to permit any portion of an entry, nomination, or other fee paid by an owner to be deducted from a jockey riding fee unless the entry, nomination, or other fee is paid exclusively by the owner and not reimbursed by any other person or entity. Because a violation of the provisions of the bill would be a misdemeanor, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.