HF 2615: Relating to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons

What it does

This bill relates to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons. The bill strikes a provision requiring, as part of the state racing and gaming commission’s (commission) standards, that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be run independently unless mutually agreed upon by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. Instead, the bill requires that thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons be conducted as separate stand-alone meets that do not overlap, that races for the breeds not take place on the same day, and that the racing season for one breed not commence until the season for the other breed has concluded.

Senate subcommittee · named March 3, 2026

• Sen. Mike Bousselot (R) · mike.bousselot@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Tony Bisignano (D) · tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov
• Sen. Jesse Green (R) · jesse.green@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 2 for, 1 against

For: Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association (IHBPA); Iowa Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association

Against: Iowa Quarter Horse Racing Association

In plain words

1. February 3, 2026Filed in the House and sent to the Agriculture committee · as HSB 658
2. February 3, 2026House subcommittee named: Hora, Behn and Cooling · as HSB 658
3. February 11, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it · as HSB 658
4. February 17, 2026Approved by the House committee · as HSB 658
5. February 17, 2026Committee vote: 22–1 · as HSB 658
6. February 19, 2026Filed in the House
7. February 19, 2026Approved by the House committee, and given a new number: HF 2615 · as HSB 658
8. February 26, 2026Passed the House, 86–4
9. March 2, 2026Arrived in the Senate
10. March 3, 2026Senate subcommittee named: Bousselot, Bisignano and Green
11. March 16, 2026Subcommittee recommended passing it
12. March 19, 2026Approved by the Senate committee
13. May 2, 2026Passed the Senate, 30–16
14. May 13, 2026Sent to the Governor
15. May 19, 2026Signed into law