3328

JOINT RESOLUTIONS

FOR the purpose of requesting the Senate Committee on
Finance and the House Committee on Ways and Means to
study the fiscal impact of racetrack consolidation, the
quality and effectiveness of the administration and
regulatory practices of the Maryland Racing Commission,
and other racing industry related matters.

WHEREAS, The racing industry is a permanent part of the
history and tradition of this State; and

WHEREAS, The racing industry contributes significantly
to the economy and vitality of this State; and

WHEREAS, The racing industry has been the focus of
considerable attention and study by the Governor's
Commission on Racing Reform and, pursuant to the Regulatory
Programs Evaluation Act of 1978, by a joint study by the
Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways
and Means; and

WHEREAS, The major recommendation of the Governor's
Commission on Racing Reform is the eventual consolidation of
current racing facilities with the provision that a fiscal
impact study be undertaken to provide data for this concept;
and

WHEREAS, The main findings of the study by the Senate

Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways and

Means focus on the need to evaluate the leadership and

regulatory functions provided by the Maryland Racing
Commission; and

WHEREAS, The Senate Committee on Finance and the House
Committee on Ways and Means recognize clearly the need for
continued legislative review and study of the issues of
track consolidation, the leadership, and management of the
Maryland Racing Commission, and other industry-related
matters; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Senate Committee on Finance and the House Committee on Ways
and Means are urged to undertake a joint study to determine
the fiscal impact and feasibility of racetrack
consolidation, to resolve the issue of the quality and
effectiveness of the administration and regulatory practices
of the Maryland Racing Commission, and to examine other
industry-related matters; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Department of Fiscal Services and
the Department of Legislative Reference should provide
staffing for this study; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Senate Committee on Finance and the
House Committee on Ways and Means should report their
findings to the General Assembly and the Governor prior to
the 1981 Session of this legislature; and be it further