WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced H.R. 3378, the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA), which protects the health and welfare of racing horses and improves the integrity and safety of horse racing. Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
This legislation is a direct response to the concerns surrounding the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA), which was signed into law, through an omnibus bill, in 2020. Passed with the intention of bringing uniformity to the horse racing industry, HISA establishes a wide set of rules that are implemented and enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority. Since its passage, which Congressman Higgins opposed, HISA has been riddled with legal setbacks, including the death of 12 horses at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby.
The Racehorse Health and Safety Act would:
- Repeal the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA);
- Grant states the right to enter into the interstate compact, which is a contract between multiple states to develop nationwide rules governing scientific control and racetrack safety for horse racing;
- Establish the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization (RHSO), which will regulate the horse racing industry;
- Establish three Scientific Medication Control Committees (SMCCs) to draft recommended rules for each breed.
“Government overreach is impacting industries across our nation with rules in places where they have no business being,” said Congressman Higgins. “The well-intentioned disaster of HISA proved that enforcing uniformed rules in horse racing plagues the industry with confusion and disruption. This legislation is rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen. We must push back against federal oppression and protect the horse racing industry and the beautiful animals we love.”
“The RHSA will provide horse owners and racetracks flexibility, while also bringing safe and effective regulation to the horseracing industry,” said Senator Cotton.
Read the legislation here.
