West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5464: West Virginia First Live Racing Jobs Act of 2026
Status: Passed one chamber, March 4, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §19-23-3 and §19-23-13b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; relating to providing a definition for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses; setting requirements and purse calculations for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses to race in restricted races; and providing eligibility requirements for West Virginia Accredited restricted races. chapter 19. agriculture. article 23. horse and dog racing. §19-23-3. Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, as used in this (2) "Thoroughbred racing" means flat or running type h.
From the engrossed text, February 26, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §19-23-3 and §19-23-13b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; relating to providing a definition for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses; setting requirements and purse calculations for West Virginia Certified Thoroughbred horses to race in restricted races; and providing eligibility requirements for West Virginia Accredited restricted races. chapter 19. agriculture. article 23. horse and dog racing. §19-23-3. Definitions. Unless the context clearly requires a different meaning, as used in this (2) "Thoroughbred racing" means flat or running type horse racing in which each horse participating is a thoroughbred and mounted by a jockey; (3) "Harness racing" means horse racing in which the horses participating are harnessed to a sulky, carriage or other vehicle and does not include any form of horse racing in which the horses are mounted by jockeys; (4) "Horse race meeting" means the whole period of time for which a license is required by the provisions of section one of this article; (5) "Dog racing" means any type of dog racing, including, but not limited to, greyhound racing; (6) "Purse" means any purse, stake or award for which a horse or dog race is run; (7) "Racing association" or "person" means any individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation or other entity or organization of whatever character or description; (8) "Applicant" …