Horse Racing - Laurel Park - Arabian Breed Racing Authorization
HB 911 authorizes licensees at Laurel Park (and Pimlico Race Course) to conduct live Arabian breed horse racing under specific conditions. The bill requires that Arabian races occur in addition to existing thoroughbred races (not replacing them), with a maximum of one per day and three per race meet, and prohibits using thoroughbred purse funds for these races. All Arabian races must follow existing takeout rules, pay standard taxes/fees, and receive approval from the State Racing Commission. This directly affects racetrack operators seeking to add Arabian breed racing without altering current thoroughbred race schedules or funding.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2026
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Feb 5, 2026
Signed Apr 28, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
First - Horse Racing - Laurel Park - Arabian Breed Racing Authorization
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Third - Horse Racing - Laurel Park - Arabian Breed Racing Authorization
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3 edits
MINOR
The bill was amended to include additional sponsors and formalize its status as an adopted emergency measure with a favorable committee report. The substantive policy content regarding the authorization of Arabian breed horse racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course remains unchanged, retaining the same operational rules, purse funding requirements, and tax obligations.
Scope change
The scope of applicability for the Arabian breed racing authorization remains the same; the changes are procedural regarding the bill's legislative history and sponsorship.
TECHNICAL
Added names of additional sponsors (Delegates Beauchamp, Chang, Harrison, Ivey, Metzgar, Toles, and Watson) to the bill header.
Updated the bill header to reflect the new 'Chapter' number format and added signatures for the Governor, Speaker, and President of the Senate, indicating the bill has been approved and enacted.
TIMELINE
Added a favorable committee report status and recorded the date the bill was read for the second time (February 22, 2026).
Floor votes · Senate Mar 26, 2026 · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026
How they voted
48–0
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 49
Mar 26, 2026
D
Democratic36
97% Yea
R
Republican13
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
15
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 28, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 318
executive
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Returned Passed
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third Reading Passed
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Adopted
upper
Apr 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation
upper
Mar 26, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (48-0-1)
senate
Mar 5, 2026
Committee
Referred Budget and Taxation
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Third Reading Passed
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments {
lower
Mar 3, 2026
Lower · Passed
Favorable with Amendments Report by Appropriations
lower
Feb 23, 2026
House Of Delegates · Passed
House of Delegates Vote: pass (129-0-13)
house of delegates
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
First Reading Appropriations
lower
8 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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