Congressman Clay Higgins | Official U.S. House headshot
Congressman Clay Higgins | Official U.S. House headshot
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has announced the introduction of the Racehorse Health and Safety Act of 2023 (RHSA), a legislation aimed at safeguarding the well-being of racing horses and enhancing the integrity and safety of the horse racing industry.
In December 2020, Congress passed the Horseracing Safety and Integrity Act (HISA) through an omnibus bill, which was later signed into law by President Trump. The purpose of HISA was to establish a set of uniform rules in the horse racing industry, enforced by the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority.
However, since its implementation, HISA has faced legal challenges. Congressman Higgins, who opposed the bill, points out that Churchill Downs Racetrack, renowned as the home of the Kentucky Derby, was forced to close down after twelve horses died in just six weeks. Despite significant financial investment, the HISA Authority has been unable to determine the cause of these fatalities.
The Racehorse Health and Safety Act proposes several key provisions:
- Repealing the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
- Granting states the authority to enter into an interstate compact, enabling them to collaborate on developing nationwide rules for scientific control and racetrack safety in horse racing.
- Establishing the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization (RHSO) as the regulatory body overseeing the horse racing industry.
- Creating three Scientific Medication Control Committees (SMCCs) to formulate recommended rules for different horse breeds.
The Racehorse Health and Safety Act has garnered support from various organizations, including the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), the United Trotting Association (USTA), and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV).
To read the full text of the legislation, click here.
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