Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA) in both chambers of Congress Wednesday, proposing a constitutional alternative to current industry regulations through an interstate compact system.
Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Rep. Don Davis (D-NC), and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) sponsored the legislation (HR 3378), which aims to establish nationwide standards for medication control and racetrack safety.
The bill has garnered significant industry support, including endorsements from the National Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (HBPA), the United States Trotting Association (USTA), and the North American Association of Racetrack Veterinarians (NAARV).
According to sponsors, the RHSA would replace the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (HISA), which has faced constitutional challenges since its implementation.
“The Racehorse Health and Safety Act is rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen,” Rep. Higgins said in a statement. “This legislation protects horses and horsemen while reasserting state sovereignty and pushing back against federal oppression.”
Rep. Davis emphasized the need for consistent standards across the racing industry. “Congress must prioritize the establishment of equitable and consistent standards within the horse racing industry,” he said. “In pursuit of this, we are supporting legislation that promotes improved safety regulations through a thoughtful and pragmatic framework.”
The legislation represents a significant shift in regulatory approach for the thoroughbred racing industry, which has struggled with implementing uniform safety standards across different racing jurisdictions.
Industry stakeholders representing thousands of horsemen have aligned behind the proposal, signaling potential momentum for the bill as it begins moving through congressional committees.
