Introduction

The Equine Industry Reform Act of 2023 aims to promote the health and safety of horses, while also ensuring fair competition among horse owners and breeders.

Section 1. Short title

This Act may be cited as the “Equine Industry Reform Act of 2023”.

Section 2. Findings and purpose

(a) The Congress finds that—

• The equine industry is a significant contributor to the United States economy, with millions of horses being raced, trained, and sold each year.
• Despite its importance, the equine industry has been plagued by safety concerns, including injuries to humans and horses, as well as allegations of doping and substance abuse.

(b) The purpose of this Act is to—

1. Establish a uniform national standard for the care and treatment of horses
2. Improve safety measures in the equine industry
3. Prohibit the use of performance-enhancing substances

Section 3. Definitions

(a) In this Act, the following definitions apply:

• The term “covered persons” includes horse owners, breeders, trainers, and drivers.
• The term “covered horses” includes any horse that is used for racing or other purposes under a covered person’s care.

(b) For the purpose of this Act, the following terms have the meanings assigned by section 2(a).

1. The term “equine industry” means any business or enterprise related to horses, including horse breeding, training, and racing.

Section 4. Interstate compact

(a) The Governors of the several States hereby declare that they have the authority to—

• Pursue and participate in interstate compacts for the regulation of horses and horse-related activities.
• Enforce State laws related to horses and horse-related activities within their respective jurisdictions.

(b) The Governors of the several States hereby agree to—

1. Cooperate in implementing this Act, including by sharing information and resources.
2. Provide notice to each other of any violations of this Act or its implementing regulations.

Section 5. Equine health and welfare standards

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the equine industry stakeholders, shall—

• Determine the minimum requirements for the care and treatment of horses.
• Develop a national standard for equine vaccinations and disease testing.

(b) The Secretary shall also—

1. Establish a national registry for equine vaccination records.
2. Require covered persons to report any adverse reactions or unusual symptoms in horses.

Section 6. Safety measures

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the equine industry stakeholders, shall—

• Determine the minimum requirements for safety equipment and gear.
• Develop a national standard for horse handling and training procedures.

(b) The Secretary shall also—

1. Establish a national registry for equine-related accidents and incidents.
2. Require covered persons to report any safety concerns or hazards in the industry.

Section 7. Performance-enhancing substances

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the equine industry stakeholders, shall—

• Determine the types of performance-enhancing substances that are prohibited.
• Develop a national standard for testing and detection procedures.

(b) The Secretary shall also—

1. Establish a national registry for equine-related substance abuse cases.
2. Require covered persons to report any suspected use of performance-enhancing substances.

Section 8. Enforcement

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the equine industry stakeholders, shall—

• Determine the minimum requirements for enforcement and penalties.
• Develop a national standard for regulatory procedures.

(b) The Secretary shall also—

1. Establish a national registry for covered persons and horses.
2. Require covered persons to report any violations of this Act or its implementing regulations.

Section 9. Miscellaneous

(a) The Secretary, in consultation with the equine industry stakeholders, shall—

• Determine the minimum requirements for public education and outreach.
• Develop a national standard for equine-related emergency response procedures.

(b) The Secretary shall also—

1. Establish a national registry for equine-related incidents and accidents.
2. Require covered persons to report any safety concerns or hazards in the industry.

Section 10. Effective date

(a) This Act shall take effect on the later of—

• The date that is 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
• The date on which 2 or more States have entered into the interstate compact pursuant to section 4.3.

(b) Sections 1, 2, and 3 shall take effect immediately upon the date of the enactment of this Act.