HISA signed into law, countdown to federal oversight begins

A federal legislative package including a bill that creates a national regulatory body for racing was signed into law on Sunday night by outgoing President Donald Trump.

The signature was the last remaining hurdle for the legislation. With its adoption, the clock begins ticking on an 18-month process to set up the regulatory body and put its policies into force.

The bill, called the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act, will create a non-profit, private company overseen by the Federal Trade Commission that will devise policies regarding drug-testing and medication enforcement, along with protocols related to safety practices at racetracks. The bill was supported by a broad coalition of racing organizations.

The oversight body will have an effective operational date of July 1, 2022.