This executive order modified by EO #63 Whitman.

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Constitution of 1844 was amended in 1939 to authorize horse racing and pari-mutuel betting; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature in 1940 created the New Jersey Racing Commission and vested it with the authority to regulate horse racing and the system of pari-mutuel betting; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature in 1971 created the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs to promote the general welfare, health and prosperity of the people of the State, and the principal source of the Authority's revenue is from proceeds derived from pari-mutuel betting at race tracks operated by the Authority; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature in 1985 enacted the Simulcast Racing Act, which provided for pari-mutuel betting at one race track on a race at another race track, either in the State or out of the State; and

WHEREAS, despite these significant changes to the laws regulating horse racing, there has been no thorough and comprehensive review of the entire horse racing industry since 1940; and

WHEREAS, the horse racing industry is feeling the strain of increased competition from other forms of legalized gambling in the State and from neighboring states that are expanding, or considering expanding, legalized gambling in a variety of ways, including telephone wagering on horse races and slot machines at race tracks; and

WHEREAS, tens of thousands of people are employed in industries directly related to horse racing that play a vital role in preserving farmland in a State that values open space;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, Governor of the State of New Jersey, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:

1. There is hereby established the Racing Industry Study Commission, hereinafter referred to as the Commission.

2. The Commission shall consist of 17 members to be appointed as follows: two State Senators appointed by the President of the Senate, two State Assembly Members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, 13 members appointed by the Governor as follows: the Attorney General, the State Treasurer, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development, one member of the New Jersey Racing Commission, one licensee of the New Jersey Racing Commission, one member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, one private race track permit holder, one member of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc., one member of the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent Association, one member of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey, one member of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association of New Jersey, and one member of the Casino Association of New Jersey. The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Commission shall also be designated by the Governor. All members of the Commission shall be appointed no later than December 1, 1996. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were made.

3. The Commission shall undertake a thorough and comprehensive study of the horse racing industry in New Jersey, including existing statutes and regulations, in-State competition for the gambling dollar and legislation in neighboring states that impacts on the economic growth and prosperity of New Jersey's horse racing industry.

4. The Commission shall meet as soon as practicable after December 1, 1996.

5. The Commission is authorized to call upon any department, office or agency of State government to provide such information, resources or other assistance deemed necessary to discharge its responsibilities under this Order. Each department, officer, division and agency of this State is hereby required to cooperate with the Commission and to furnish it with such information, personnel and assistance as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order.

6. The Commission shall file a report with the Governor no later than 6 months following the first meeting of the Commission, which report shall include short-range and long-range recommendations, including any recommendations for legislative bills.

7. This Order shall take effect immediately.

 

GIVEN, under my hand and seal
this 31st day of October in the
Year of Our Lord, One Thousand
Nine Hundred and Ninety-Six, and
of the Independence of the United
States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-First.

/s/ Christine Todd Whitman
Governor

Attest:

/s/ Michael P. Torpey
Chief Counsel to the Governor