Horse Racing - Prohibited Acts - Slaughter of Racehorses for Commercial Purposes

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Sent to Executive
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The law makes it illegal to slaughter a racehorse in Maryland for any commercial reason, including food, and bars buying, selling, transporting or importing a horse if the seller knows it will be slaughtered. Violations carry misdemeanor penalties for individuals and fines for businesses, with proceeds directed to the state racing Special Fund. The measure also allows the Racing Commission and the Department of Agriculture to suspend licenses and clarifies that humane euthanasia by a vet is still permitted.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Hearings

• Appropriations — Bill Hearing
  Appropriations · Jan 27, 2026

History

1. Apr 14, 2026Approved by the Governor - Chapter 83
2. Apr 8, 2026Third Reading Passed
3. Apr 8, 2026Returned Passed
4. Apr 1, 2026Favorable Report by Budget and Taxation
5. Apr 1, 2026Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
6. Mar 5, 2026Referred Budget and Taxation
7. Mar 4, 2026Third Reading Passed
8. Mar 3, 2026Second Reading Passed
9. Mar 3, 2026Favorable Report by Appropriations
10. Mar 3, 2026Favorable Adopted
11. Jan 16, 2026Hearing 1/27 at 1:00 p.m.
12. Jan 14, 2026First Reading Appropriations

The 12 most recent of 13 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Chair, Appropriations Committee · sponsor

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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