TITLE 16.ECONOMIC REGULATION

Part 8. TEXAS RACING COMMISSION

Chapter 303. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Subchapter D. TEXAS BRED INCENTIVE PROGRAMS

2. PROGRAM FOR HORSES

16 TAC §303.97

(Editor's note: The text of the following section proposed for repeal will not be published. The section may be examined in the offices of the Texas Racing Commission or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The Texas Racing Commission proposes a repeal of §303.97, relating to Appaloosa horse rules. The repeal is necessary because the Appaloosa Horse Club expressed that it had no further interest in pari-mutuel racing. Consequently, it is no longer necessary to adopt their rules by reference.

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there are no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposal.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule is in effect the public benefit anticipated will be increased accuracy and therefore, increased reliance, in terminology within the Rules. There will be no fiscal implications for small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Comments on the proposed repeal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The repeal is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to make rules relating exclusively to horse or greyhound racing;§6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules on all matters relating to the operation of racetracks; §11.01, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on greyhound and horse races; and §11.011, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules to implement pari-mutuel wagering on simulcasting races.

The repeal implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§303.97.Appaloosa Horse Rules.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104670

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Chapter 309. RACETRACK LICENSES AND OPERATIONS

Subchapter B. OPERATIONS OF RACETRACKS

3. OPERATIONS

16 TAC §309.167

The Texas Racing Commission proposes amendment to §309.167 relating to organizational charts of racetracks. The amendment would be amended to conform it to current practice, which requires submission of an organizational chart only once a year, as part of the executive secretary's track inspection. The amendment also clarifies the types of employee changes that will require submission of a revised chart. The need for this amendment is to eliminate repetitive and unnecessary information submitted to the Commission from the racetracks.

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, has determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect there are no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposals.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that for each of the first five years the rule is in effect the anticipated public benefit is increased efficiency and a reduction in duplication. Because the amendment reduces the requirements for the racetracks, there will be a slight benefit for small or micro-businesses in terms of a reduction of administrative efforts. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02 which authorizes the Commission to regulate every race meeting in this state involving wagering on the result of greyhound or horse racing; §3.021 which authorizes the Commission to regulate all aspects of greyhound and horse racing in the State; and §6.06 which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to all aspects of pari-mutuel tracks.

The proposed amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.167.Organizational Chart.

(a) On request by the executive secretary [ Not later than 30 days before the first day of a race meeting ], an association shall provide to the executive secretary an organizational chart which indicates the lines of authority, responsibility, and control for each operation of the association. The chart must include the name and title of key managers , including the head of each of department, [ and supervisory personnel and their assistants ] and a brief description of their responsibility and authority.

(b) The association shall provide to the executive secretary a revised organizational chart immediately on the termination or resignation of a person named on the chart provided under Subsection (a) of this section [ an individual ] or the reorganization of responsibilities, authority, or control.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104671

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter C. HORSE RACETRACKS

1. RACETRACKS

16 TAC §309.213

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to § 309.213, relating to starting gates. The proposed amendment would require an alternate starting gate for class 1 and class 2 horse racetracks only, not for Class 3 and Class 4 horse racetracks. It was determined that this rule added an unnecessary financial hardship for horse racetracks with a minimal live race schedule. Consequently, this proposal will remove the requirement of the additional equipment. This amendment will in no way alter any safety requirement.

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposals. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that the anticipated public benefit for each of the first five years the rule will be an added savings to non-profit racetracks and thereby adding to available funding for the prescribed charities and administrative costs. There will be a slight fiscal benefit to small and micro-business in that a class 3 or class 4 horse racetrack will not be required to expend funds on an alternate starting gate. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to all aspects of pari-mutuel tracks.

The proposed amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.213.Starting Gates.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) A class 1 or class 2 [ An ] association shall maintain at least two operable starting gates during racing hours.

(d) - (e) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104672

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


4. OPERATIONS

16 TAC §309.296

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to § 309.296, relating to the official program. The proposed amendment would delete all references to the brand name "Lasix" for furosemide because the manufacturer of this brand name has renamed the medication, "Salix".

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposals. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that the anticipated public benefit for each of the first five years the rule will be is increased reliability in the accuracy of the Rules. Because the amendment modifies language only and not the requirements for the racetracks, there will be no fiscal implications for small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to all aspects of pari-mutuel tracks.

The proposed amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§309.296.Official Program.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, for each horse that is racing with furosemide [ (Lasix) ] the official program shall indicate that fact by including the symbol "L" after the horse's name. For each horse that is racing with furosemide [ (Lasix) ] for the first time or for each horse racing with furosemide that last raced without furosemide, the official program shall indicate that fact by including the symbol "L1" after the horse's name. For each horse that is racing without furosemide [ (Lasix) ] for the first time after having been admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program in this state and for each horse that is racing without furosemide [ (Lasix) ] in this state whose most recent start was with furosemide [ (Lasix) ] in another racing jurisdiction, the official program shall indicate that fact by including the symbol "Lx" after the horse's name.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104673

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Chapter 319. VETERINARY PRACTICES AND DRUG TESTING

Subchapter A. GENERAL PROVISIONS

16 TAC §319.3

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to § 319.3, relating to restricted medication. The proposed amendment would delete all references to the brand name "Lasix" for furosemide because the manufacturer of this brand name has renamed the medication, "Salix".

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposals. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that the anticipated public benefit for each of the first five years the rule will be is increased reliability in the accuracy of the Rules. Because the amendment modifies language only and not the requirements for the racetracks, there will be no fiscal implications for small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to all aspects of pari-mutuel tracks.

The proposed amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§319.3.Medication Restricted.

(a) - (b) (No change.)

(c) Furosemide [ (Lasix) ] at or below the approved tolerance level in a horse that has been admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program is permissible. The approved tolerance level shall be published on the list of therapeutic drugs posted under subsection (d) of this section.

(d) - (f) (No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104674

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699


Subchapter B. TREATMENT OF HORSES

16 TAC §319.111

The Texas Racing Commission proposes an amendment to § 319.111, relating to bleeders and the furosemide program. The amendment will serve multiple purposes. First, the amendment would delete all references to the brand name "Lasix" for furosemide because the manufacturer of this brand name has renamed the medication, "Salix". Next, the amendment clarifies how a horse is determined to be a bleeder. Next, the amendment also provides a provision to allow a TxRC licensed veterinarian to add a horse to the program. Additionally, the amendment deletes requirements for additional documentation of an EIPH event which is no longer requested. Next, submission of the required report from a veterinarian has been delegated from the commission veterinarian to the test barn supervisor. Finally, the amendment addresses the issue of when a horse's "down time" or rest period should commence. These clarifications are necessary to increase the understanding of all affected parties of the Commission's current implementation of the furosemide program.

Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, determined that for the first five-year period the rule is in effect will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing the proposals. The proposal has no effect on the state's agricultural, horse breeding, horse training, greyhound breeding, or greyhound training industries.

Ms. Kennison has also determined that the anticipated public benefit for each of the first five years the rule will be is increased reliability in the accuracy of the Rules. Because the amendment modifies language only and not the requirements for the racetracks, there will be no fiscal implications for small or micro-businesses. There is no anticipated economic cost to an individual required to comply with the rule as proposed.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted on or before September 27, 2001, to Judith L. Kennison, General Counsel for the Texas Racing Commission, P.O. Box 12080, Austin, Texas 78711-2080.

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e, §3.02, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules for conducting racing with wagering and for administering the Texas Racing Act; and §6.06, which authorizes the Commission to adopt rules relating to all aspects of pari-mutuel tracks.

The proposed amendment implements Texas Civil Statutes, Article 179e.

§319.111.Bleeders and Furosemide [ (Lasix) ] Program.

(a) Diagnosis of EIPH. A bleeder is a horse that experiences Exercise Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH). Except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the medical diagnosis of EIPH may be made only by a commission veterinarian[ , ]or a [ practicing ] veterinarian currently licensed by [ holding a current license from ] the Commission. If the first EIPH event experienced by a horse in another pari-mutuel racing jurisdiction, certification of the horse as a bleeder by that foreign jurisdiction [ A certification as a bleeder by any pari-mutuel racing jurisdiction ] will also constitute a first report of a diagnosed EIPH event [ a medical diagnosis ] for purposes of this section. A veterinarian who diagnoses an EIPH event in a horse participating in pari-mutuel racing in this state shall report the event to the commission veterinarian in a format prescribed by the executive secretary [ Commission ]. On receipt of the first report of a diagnosed EIPH event for a horse, the commission veterinarian shall certify the horse as a bleeder.

(b) Admission to Furosemide [ (Lasix) ]Program.

(1) A horse that has been certified as a bleeder in this state may be admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program. To be admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program, the trainer of the horse or a veterinarian currently licensed by the Commission, on the trainer's behalf, must file a request for the horse's admission to the program before the horse starts [ is entered ] in its next race. [ The stewards may authorize a late filing if they determine it is in the best interest of the patrons and the horse. ]

(2) A [ The trainer of a ] horse that [ was certified as a bleeder in another pari-mutuel racing jurisdiction and who ] competed with furosemide [ (Lasix) ] in its most recent start out-of-state must compete on furosemide in Texas unless withdrawn from [ is required to request the horse's admission to ] the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program at time of entry . [ The trainer must provide documentation satisfactory to the commission veterinarian that the horse was certified as a bleeder in another jurisdiction. The request that the horse be admitted to the furosemide (Lasix) program must be filed before the horse is entered in its next race. The stewards may authorize a late filing if they determine it is in the best interest of the patrons and the horse. ]

(c) Administration of Furosemide [ (Lasix) ]. Furosemide [ (Lasix) ] shall be administered to a horse in the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program not later than four hours before the published post time for the race the horse is entered to run. The furosemide [ (Lasix) ] must be administered intravenously by a veterinarian licensed by the Commission [ commission ]. The executive secretary shall periodically publish the permissible blood levels of furosemide [ (Lasix) ] in post-race specimens and shall post the levels at each licensed racetrack.

(d) Requirement to Use Furosemide [ (Lasix) ]. A horse in the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program in Texas must compete with furosemide [ (Lasix) ] until withdrawn from the program.

(e) Withdrawal from Furosemide [ (Lasix) ] Program.

(1) To withdraw a horse from the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program, the trainer must apply to the commission veterinarian. The commission veterinarian may require a signed medical statement from the trainer's regular practicing veterinarian that it is in the horse's best interest to be withdrawn from the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program. The commission veterinarian may also request any other additional information the commission veterinarian needs to justify removal of the horse from the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program. A withdrawal request and all accompanying information must be reviewed and a decision rendered by the commission veterinarian as soon as practicable.

(2) A horse in the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program may not compete without furosemide [ (Lasix) ] until its withdrawal from the program has been approved by the commission veterinarians. Withdrawal from the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program does not prohibit a horse from subsequent readmission to the program in accordance with this section.

(f) Readmission to the Furosemide Program. A horse may be readmitted to the furosemide program if the horse has another EIPH event or competed with furosemide in its most recent start in another pari-mutuel jurisdiction.

(g) [ (f) ] Bleeders List.

(1) The commission veterinarian shall maintain a list of horses that have been certified as bleeders and a list of horses that have been admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program.

(2) On receipt of a report of a diagnosed EIPH event, the commission veterinarian shall place the horse on the veterinarian's list. For the first diagnosed EIPH event , a horse shall be placed on the veterinarian's list and is ineligible to start in a race before the 12th day after the date of the EIPH event. [ the horse is placed on the list. ] For the second diagnosed EIPH event, a horse shall be placed on the veterinarian's list and is ineligible to start in a race before the 30th day after the date of the second EIPH event. [ the horse is placed on the list. ] For the third diagnosed EIPH event, a horse shall be placed on the veterinarian's list and is ineligible to start in a race before the 180th day after the date of the third EIPH event. [ the horse is placed on the list. ] For the fourth diagnosed EIPH event, a horse is barred from pari-mutuel racing in this state. A horse that has not had a diagnosed EIPH event for a period of 365 consecutive days is considered a non-bleeder for purposes of this paragraph. The report of a diagnosed EIPH event from any pari-mutuel jurisdiction which officially records EIPH events will be recognized as an EIPH event by the Commission.

(3) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if after reviewing a report of a diagnosed EIPH event the commission veterinarian determines additional days on the veterinarian's list are essential to the health and safety of the horse, the commission veterinarian may extend the number of days the horse is on the veterinarian's list. The commission veterinarian shall record the medical reasons for the additional days.

(h) [ (g) ] Report by Veterinarian. A veterinarian who administers furosemide [ (Lasix) ] to a horse that has been admitted to the furosemide [ (Lasix) ] program shall report the administration on a form prescribed by the Commission [ commission ]. A report made under this subsection must be filed with the test barn supervisor [ commission veterinarian ] not later than one hour before post time for the first race of that day.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on August 14, 2001.

TRD-200104675

Judith L. Kennison

General Counsel

Texas Racing Commission

Earliest possible date of adoption: September 30, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 833-6699