HB1053: Gaming and alcohol matters.

Legislative Summary

Gaming and alcohol matters. Specifies that the horse racing commission (IHRC) may adopt rules that incorporate by reference the most current version of the: (1) model rules; and (2) model rules concerning foreign substances; adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International. Provides that, after June 30, 2025, the governor shall appoint the director of the IHRC and the director of the IHRC shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. Removes the requirement that the IHRC appoint an assistant director and provides that the director shall hire an assistant director. Provides that a contracted steward or judge is considered an employee of the IHRC for the purpose of receiving representation by the attorney general in certain suits. Changes references to the horse racing tracks. Provides that judges and stewards may suspend a license for not more than three years on behalf of the IHRC. (Current law allows judges and stewards to suspend a license for not more than one year on behalf of the IHRC.) Provides that the suspension of a license or the imposition of certain civil penalties must occur within 365 days (instead of 180 days) after the date of the violation. Provides that the Indiana gaming commission (commission) shall require an occupational license applicant and occupational licensee to submit fingerprints for review by the state police department (department) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): (1) for a criminal history record check; and (2) in the form and manner required by the department and the FBI. Requires the department to provide the results of each requested criminal history record check to the commission. Allows the department to charge a fee for a criminal history record check and requires the commission to pay the fee from money received from fees collected from occupational license applicants or licensees. Provides a list of the individuals required to hold an occupational license. Provides that a horse's veterinary medical records and medical condition must be furnished within five business days without written client authorization to the IHRC as part of an investigation in which a horse under the care, control, or ownership of a licensee has been treated by a veterinarian. Provides that the state lottery commission shall not operate or authorize the operation of a lottery courier service. Requires the state lottery commission to adopt rules regarding the bulk purchase of lottery products. Allows a wine dealer that is not a package liquor store to deliver wine to a customer's residence or office. Provides three-way permits, subject to certain conditions, to the city of Warsaw and the town of Syracuse. Increases the number of gallons of liquor an artisan distiller may produce in a calendar year from 20,000 gallons to 30,000 gallons. Allows the holder of an artisan distiller's permit to manufacture liquor for another holder of an artisan distiller's permit if certain conditions are met. Provides that a municipality may not require a designated permittee or vendor within a designated refreshment area to purchase containers for alcoholic beverages from a certain vendor.