A new bill filed by Sen. McInnis seeks to regulate pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing and support the equine industry through licensing and funding measures, according to the North Carolina State Senate.
The bill, filed as SB 471 on March 24 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Horse Race Wagering Modifications.’
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill authorizes and regulates pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing in North Carolina, with provisions for licensing and operating horse racing tracks. It mandates the establishment of legacy and startup tracks with specific investment and operational criteria, including live race days and facility location requirements. The legislation introduces taxes on pari-mutuel wagering, with proceeds directed to various equine industry support funds. Comprehensive measures are outlined for licensing, application procedures, and compliance, including age restrictions and geolocation verification. The bill also provides for the administration of equine industry funds aimed at promoting horse breeding and racing in North Carolina. Effective dates for specific sections, including tax provisions, are set for July 1, 2025, with implementation responsibilities assigned to the North Carolina State Lottery Commission.
Of the three sponsors of this bill, Timothy D. Moffitt proposed the most bills (52) during the 2025 regular session.
Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.
You can read more about the bills and other measures here.
Mclnnis, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State Senate in 2023 to represent the state’s 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator Ben Clark.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom McInnis, Bobby Hanig, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 471 | 03/24/2025 | Horse Race Wagering Modifications. |
| Tom McInnis, Steve Jarvis, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 387 | 03/24/2025 | Brownfields Property Reuse Act Revisions. |
| Tom McInnis, Steve Jarvis, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 388 | 03/24/2025 | DOT Permit Review Time Periods. |
| Tom McInnis, Michael A. Lazzara, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 450 | 03/24/2025 | Novel Opioid Control Act of 2025. |
| Tom McInnis, Steve Jarvis, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 451 | 03/24/2025 | Occupational/Professional Licensing Relief. |
| Tom McInnis and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 470 | 03/24/2025 | End Block Scheduling. |
| Tom McInnis, Steve Jarvis, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 472 | 03/24/2025 | Amend 401 Certification Process. |
| Tom McInnis, Bobby Hanig, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 291 | 03/13/2025 | Regulation of Short-Term Rentals. |
| Tom McInnis, Eddie D. Settle, and Vickie Sawyer | SB 231 | 03/05/2025 | State Surplus Property/Third-Party Auctions. |
| Tom McInnis, Michael V. Lee, and Timothy D. Moffitt | SB 223 | 03/03/2025 | Expand Academic Trans. Pathways/Sophomore HS. |
| Tom McInnis, Timothy D. Moffitt, and Todd Johnson | SB 204 | 02/27/2025 | Remove Testing Requirement for Teacher Lisc. |
| Tom McInnis, Steve Jarvis, and Warren Daniel | SB 207 | 02/27/2025 | Litter Law/Rebuttable Presumption. |
| Tom McInnis, Bill Rabon, and Danny Earl Britt, Jr. | SB 220 | 02/27/2025 | Protect Private Property Rights.-AB |
| Tom McInnis and Jim Burgin | SB 126 | 02/21/2025 | Zero-Based Budgeting. |
| Tom McInnis | SB 100 | 02/13/2025 | SchCalFlex/Moore/CC. |
| Tom McInnis | SB 66 | 02/10/2025 | SchCalFlex/Cumberland/CC. |
| Tom McInnis | SB 42 | 02/03/2025 | 21st Senatorial District Local Act-1. |
