Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted April 12, 2019 Journalists Share Posted April 12, 2019 California state senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa and Assemblymember Adam Gray, D-Merced, have announced plans for a joint oversight hearing on horse racing safety. The duo also announced the introduction of new legislation to authorize the California Horse Racing Board to promptly suspend racing if dangerous conditions exist. The hearing is expected to be conducted next month and “will include testimony from expert witnesses highlighting the steps the industry and regulators have already taken to improve safety as well as exploring areas where more needs to be done,” according to a press release from Dodd’s office. Dodd and Gray met with California Horse Racing Board head Chuck Winner weeks ago to discuss steps that could be taken to improve safety at Santa Anita. “This common sense bill is one part of the solution, and Chairman Gray and I will be convening a hearing to determine whether there are additional steps the industry or the state should take to enhance safety,” said Sen. Dodd. “It’s clear that state regulators need the power to act swiftly and decisively when exigent safety concerns arise.” Senate Bill 469 would allow racing board directors to convene an emergency meeting to consider temporary track closure when a situation emerges requiring prompt action. The usual 10-day meeting notice would be waived, but the board would still be required to notice the emergency meeting to the media and public. SB 469, which is scheduled for its first hearing on April 23, is also co-authored by Sen. Susan Rubio, D-Baldwin Park and Assemblymembers Ed Chau, D-Arcadia, whose districts include Santa Anita. This story will be updated. View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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