Bills › 91st General Assembly
Relating to thoroughbred and quarter horse racing seasons
Sponsored by Sen. Mike Pike (R), Sen. Amy Sinclair (R)
Topics:State government
Where it is now
- Done: IntroducedJanuary 27, 2026
- Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 3, 2026
- Done: Senate committeeMarch 19, 2026
- Done: Passes the SenateMay 2, 202630–16
- Skipped: House committeeSkipped
- Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 26, 202686–4
- Done: To the GovernorMay 13, 2026
- Done: Signed into lawMay 19, 2026
HF 2615 became law → The same legislation passed as HF 2615, so this version was set aside. Go to HF 2615 What’s a funnel?
What’s in it
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.
Read the full explanation
However, the bill allows mixed meets featuring both breeds if mutually agreed upon in writing by the associations representing the thoroughbred and quarter horse owners and the licensee of the horse racetrack located in Polk county. The bill makes legislative findings related to a recent decision or interpretation of the commission.
From the explanation printed with the bill as introduced, written by the Legislative Services Agency. Amendments adopted later aren’t reflected. Full bill text · What changed before it passed
Senate subcommittee
Named February 3, 2026. On February 4, 2026 it recommended passage.
Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part
1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 11, 2026 (1) · on the Legislature’s site
Iowa Code it changes
Creates§99D.7A
Amends§99D.7
Read from the bill as introduced. Each links to every bill touching that chapter of the Iowa Code. How the Code works
Lobbying
2 for · 1 against · 4 undecided · Who →
Family tree
Where this legislation came from and where it went: earlier tries, the versions it moved through this Assembly, and later bills built on it.
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91st General Assembly
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