SENATE DOCKET, NO. 825        FILED ON: 1/18/2017

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 185

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Anne M. Gobi

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to a feasibility study for a horse park in the Commonwealth.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 825        FILED ON: 1/18/2017

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No. 185

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninetieth General Court
(2017-2018)

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An Act relative to a feasibility study for a horse park in the Commonwealth.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION 1. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission established by chapter 23K of the General Laws shall develop a report making recommendations to promote and protect the equine and thoroughbred industry in Massachusetts. As part of the report, the commission, in consultation with the New England Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association, shall determine the feasibility of creating a horse park, which may be operated by a non-profit organization, to meet the needs of the equine and thoroughbred industries. In evaluating the viability of said horse park the commission shall undertake all necessary studies, including, but not limited to, governance, finance, construction and siting. The commission shall expend monies allocated to the race horse development fund established in section 60 of chapter 23K to pay for said report and necessary studies. In preparation of said report the commission shall also consult with appropriate state agencies, agricultural associations, groups directly involved in equine activities, horse retirement programs, horse parks located in other states and a veterinary school, further, the commission shall consider the findings from an equestrian center feasibility study produced by the Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning Department at the University of Massachusetts. The report, together with recommendations for legislation, shall be filed with the house and senate clerks by June 1, 2017.