This
executive order modified by EO #63 Whitman.
WHEREAS, the
New Jersey Constitution of 1844 was amended in 1939 to authorize
horse racing and pari-mutuel betting; and
WHEREAS, the
Legislature in 1940 created the New Jersey Racing Commission and
vested it with the authority to regulate horse racing and the system
of pari-mutuel betting; and
WHEREAS, the
Legislature in 1971 created the New Jersey Sports and Exposition
Authority in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs to
promote the general welfare, health and prosperity of the people
of the State, and the principal source of the Authority's revenue
is from proceeds derived from pari-mutuel betting at race tracks
operated by the Authority; and
WHEREAS, the
Legislature in 1985 enacted the Simulcast Racing Act, which provided
for pari-mutuel betting at one race track on a race at another race
track, either in the State or out of the State; and
WHEREAS, despite
these significant changes to the laws regulating horse racing, there
has been no thorough and comprehensive review of the entire horse
racing industry since 1940; and
WHEREAS, the
horse racing industry is feeling the strain of increased competition
from other forms of legalized gambling in the State and from neighboring
states that are expanding, or considering expanding, legalized gambling
in a variety of ways, including telephone wagering on horse races
and slot machines at race tracks; and
WHEREAS, tens
of thousands of people are employed in industries directly related
to horse racing that play a vital role in preserving farmland in
a State that values open space;
NOW, THEREFORE,
I, CHRISTINE TODD WHITMAN, Governor of the State of New Jersey,
by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
by the Statutes of this State, do hereby ORDER and DIRECT:
1. There
is hereby established the Racing Industry Study Commission, hereinafter
referred to as the Commission.
2. The Commission
shall consist of 17 members to be appointed as follows: two State
Senators appointed by the President of the Senate, two State Assembly
Members appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, 13 members appointed
by the Governor as follows: the Attorney General, the State Treasurer,
the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of the Department
of Commerce and Economic Development, one member of the New Jersey
Racing Commission, one licensee of the New Jersey Racing Commission,
one member of the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority,
one private race track permit holder, one member of the Council
on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc., one member of the
New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Benevolent Association, one
member of the Thoroughbred Breeders Association of New Jersey,
one member of the Standardbred Breeders and Owners Association
of New Jersey, and one member of the Casino Association of New
Jersey. The chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Commission
shall also be designated by the Governor. All members of the Commission
shall be appointed no later than December 1, 1996. Vacancies shall
be filled in the same manner as the original appointments were
made.
3. The Commission
shall undertake a thorough and comprehensive study of the horse
racing industry in New Jersey, including existing statutes and
regulations, in-State competition for the gambling dollar and
legislation in neighboring states that impacts on the economic
growth and prosperity of New Jersey's horse racing industry.
4. The Commission
shall meet as soon as practicable after December 1, 1996.
5. The Commission
is authorized to call upon any department, office or agency of
State government to provide such information, resources or other
assistance deemed necessary to discharge its responsibilities
under this Order. Each department, officer, division and agency
of this State is hereby required to cooperate with the Commission
and to furnish it with such information, personnel and assistance
as is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order.
6. The Commission
shall file a report with the Governor no later than 6 months following
the first meeting of the Commission, which report shall include
short-range and long-range recommendations, including any recommendations
for legislative bills.
7. This
Order shall take effect immediately.
GIVEN,
under my hand and seal
this 31st day of October in the
Year of Our Lord, One Thousand
Nine Hundred and Ninety-Six, and
of the Independence of the United
States, the Two Hundred and Twenty-First.
/s/
Christine Todd Whitman
Governor
Attest:
/s/ Michael
P. Torpey
Chief Counsel to the Governor
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