Kentucky comp bill advances

A bill that would create a state-administered fund to provide workers' compensation coverage for jockeys in Kentucky passed out of a state House committee on Wednesday.

The bill passed by a vote of 11-2 in the House Licensing and Occupations Committee. The bill, crafted on the recommendations of a committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority, would assess fees on racetrack owners, racehorse owners, and purses to purchase insurance covering any jockey who is injured at a track or training facility in the state.

Also on Wednesday, the committee postponed debate on a bill that calls for a constitutional referendum on the legalization of casinos at Kentucky racetracks.

The current legislative session ends March 28.