IowaIowa keeps horse racing seasons separate unless groups agree in writing
At the Polk County track, thoroughbred and quarter horse races run in separate seasons unless the owners' groups and track licensee agree in writing.
What it does
Thoroughbred racing seasons must last at least 67 days, and quarter horse racing seasons must last at least 26 days.
Thoroughbred and quarter horse meets must be separate: their seasons cannot overlap, and their races cannot be held on the same day. They may race during overlapping periods only if the owners' groups and track licensee agree in writing.
Argument forSeparate meets could keep thoroughbred and quarter horse races from competing for attention on the same day.
Argument againstSeparate seasons could limit scheduling choices for the owners' groups and Polk County track unless all three sides agree in writing.
More detail
Thoroughbred racing seasons must last at least 67 days, and quarter horse seasons must last at least 26 days. The minimums apply to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons.
Thoroughbred and quarter horse seasons run as separate meets without overlapping. The rule covers thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons and races at the Polk County racetrack. The owners' groups and the Polk County racetrack licensee may agree in writing to a mixed meet or overlapping seasons.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 19Signed by Governor Kim Reynolds.Became Law
- May 13Reported correctly enrolled, signed by Speaker and President, and sent to Governor.To Governor
- May 2Message from Senate.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Upper
- May 2Immediate message.
- May 2Passed Senate, yeas 30, nays 16.Passed 2nd Chamber
- Mar 26Placed on calendar under unfinished business.
- Mar 19Placed on calendar.
- Mar 19Committee report, recommending passage.Minor
- Mar 16Subcommittee recommends passage.Minor
- Mar 10Subcommittee Meeting: 03/16/2026 12:30PM Room 315.
- Mar 3Subcommittee: Bousselot, Bisignano, and Green.
- Mar 2Read first time, referred to State Government.Minor
- Mar 2Message from House.
- Feb 26Immediate message.
- Vote recorded Shall the bill pass? Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 26Passed House, yeas 86, nays 4.Passed 1st Chamber
- Feb 19Introduced, placed on calendar.Introduced