Rep. Clay Higgins (LA-03), Rep. Don Davis (NC-01), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA) in the U.S. House (HR 3378) and Senate Wednesday, which they call “a bipartisan, bicameral effort to deliver a constitutional solution to safety regulation in the horse racing industry,” according to a press release issued Thursday. The release says the legislation is backed by industry organizations representing tens of thousands of horsemen and is endorsed by the National Horsemen's Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), the United States Trotting Association (USTA), the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV), and others.
The RHSA would establish an interstate compact to develop nationwide rules governing scientific medication control and racetrack safety for horse racing. The sponsors' intent is that the RHSA would replace the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA).
“The Racehorse Health and Safety Act is…rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen. This legislation protects horses and horsemen while reasserting state sovereignty and pushing back against federal oppression,” said Rep. Clay Higgins.
“Congress must prioritize the establishment of equitable and consistent standards within the horse racing industry. In pursuit of this, we are supporting legislation that promotes improved safety regulations through a thoughtful and pragmatic framework,” said Rep. Don Davis.
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