SECTION I. The purpose of this legislation is to ensure that the citizens of Plymouth have the opportunity to decide whether horse racing shall be licensed in their town.

SECTION 2. For the purpose of this act, "horse racing" shall mean every meeting where horses are raced and where any form of betting or wagering on the speed or ability of horses is permitted.

SECTION 3. (a) Except as provided in this section there shall be no horse racing in the town of Plymouth.

(b) Upon application to the town for a horse racing location in the town of Plymouth all of the following conditions shall be met prior to any licensing application or such location being considered by the gaming commission:

(1) the town shall publish notice of the proposed horse racing location at least 60 days prior to any public hearing on the proposed horse racing location;

(2) a public hearing on the proposed horse racing location shall be held in the town no less than 30 days before the next scheduled town meeting;

(3) a majority of the registered voters of the town of Plymouth, voting on whether to grant a horse racing license for the proposed horse racing location, have voted in the affirmative;

(4) the horse racing location is approved at a town meeting;

(5) all of the conditions in clauses 1 through 4 are accomplished in the same calendar year.

(c) The select board of the town of Plymouth shall approve the proposed horse racing location upon the completion of the conditions described in subsection (b).

(d) Upon approval by the town of Plymouth pursuant to subsections (b) and (c), the gaming commission may consider the approved horse racing location for use in horse racing pursuant to chapter 128A of the General Laws.

SECTION 4. This act shall take effect upon its passage