Membership Update: A Successful Session for Florida Thoroughbred Racing

Dear Members,
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I am writing to share an important update following the close of the Florida Legislative Session. The Legislature adjourned Sine Die on Friday. The close of the session marks another successful one for the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association; it is also the end of a two-year decoupling battle.In regard to this session, legislation related to decoupling - House Bill 881 and Senate Bill 1580 - did not advance. In fact, the Senate bill was never heard in committee. This outcome represents another significant victory in the ongoing effort to protect Florida’s Thoroughbred racing industry and the jobs and economic activity it supports.
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Over the past two years, our industry has faced repeated legislative attempts that would have fundamentally changed Thoroughbred racing and the entire industry in Florida, and we have successfully battled it back each time. Credit for this goes to Legislative Committee Chair Chester Bishop and the team he and the board engaged to lead the effort — the government relations professionals Kelly Mallette and Ron Book and the legislative communications team at Bascom Communications Group. We also want to thank you, our members, as well as our partners, for helping once again defeat decoupling legislation.
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While the regular session has concluded, the Legislature has indicated it will reconvene to complete work on the state budget, related implementing and conforming bills, and property tax reform. They will also meet to redraw congressional legislative districts. At this time, it is not anticipated that decoupling legislation will be considered during those special sessions. Our legislative team and committee will continue to closely monitor all developments and remain engaged with legislative leaders to ensure the interests of Florida’s Thoroughbred industry are represented and protected.
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Thank you for your continued support, advocacy, and commitment to the future of Thoroughbred racing in Florida. Together, we have protected this integral industry over the past two years.
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Sincerely,
Tom Cannell
President