View all text of Chapter 57 A [§ 3051 - § 3060]
§ 3056. Racetrack safety program
(a) Establishment and considerations
(1) In general
(2) Considerations in development of safety program
(b) Elements of horseracing safety programThe horseracing safety program shall include the following:
(1) A set of training and racing safety standards and protocols taking into account regional differences and the character of differing racing facilities.
(2) A uniform set of training and racing safety standards and protocols consistent with the humane treatment of covered horses, which may include lists of permitted and prohibited practices or methods (such as crop use).
(3) A racing surface quality maintenance system that—
(A) takes into account regional differences and the character of differing racing facilities; and
(B) may include requirements for track surface design and consistency and established standard operating procedures related to track surface, monitoring, and maintenance (such as standardized seasonal assessment, daily tracking, and measurement).
(4) A uniform set of track safety standards and protocols, that may include rules governing oversight and movement of covered horses and human and equine injury reporting and prevention.
(5) Programs for injury and fatality data analysis, that may include pre- and post-training and race inspections, use of a veterinarian’s list, and concussion protocols.
(6) The undertaking of investigations at racetrack and non-racetrack facilities related to safety violations.
(7) Procedures for investigating, charging, and adjudicating violations and for the enforcement of civil sanctions for violations.
(8) A schedule of civil sanctions for violations.
(9) Disciplinary hearings, which may include binding arbitration, civil sanctions, and research.
(10) Management of violation results.
(11) Programs relating to safety and performance research and education.
(12) An evaluation and accreditation program that ensures that racetracks in the United States meet the standards described in the elements of the Horseracing Safety Program.
(c) ActivitiesThe following activities shall be carried out under the racetrack safety program:
(1) Standards for racetrack safety
(2) Standards for safety and performance accreditation
(A) In generalNot later than 120 days before the program effective date, the Authority, in consultation with the racetrack safety standing committee, shall issue, by rule in accordance with section 3053 of this title—
(i) safety and performance standards of accreditation for racetracks; and
(ii) the process by which a racetrack may achieve and maintain accreditation by the Authority.
(B) Modifications
(i) In general
(ii) Notice and comment
(C) Extension of provisional or interim accreditation
(3) Nationwide safety and performance database
(A) In general
(B) Collection of information
(Pub. L. 116–260, div. FF, title XII, § 1207, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3267.)