Sec. 16. (a) The amount of gambling game revenue that must be distributed under section 12(b) of this chapter must be determined in a distribution agreement entered into by negotiation committees representing all licensees and the horsemen's associations having contracts with licensees that have been approved by the Indiana horse racing commission.

(b) Each horsemen's association shall appoint a representative to a negotiation committee to negotiate the distribution agreement required by subsection (a). If there is an even number of horsemen's associations appointing representatives to the committee, the members appointed by each horsemen's association shall jointly appoint an at-large member of the negotiation committee to represent the interests of all of the horsemen's associations. The at-large member is entitled to the same rights and privileges of the members appointed by the horsemen's associations.

(c) Each licensee shall appoint a representative to a negotiation committee to negotiate the distribution agreement required by subsection (a). If there is an even number of licensees, the members appointed by each licensee shall jointly appoint an at-large member of the negotiation committee to represent the interests of all of the licensees. The at-large member is entitled to the same rights and privileges of the members appointed by the licensees.

(d) If a majority of the members of each negotiation committee is present, the negotiation committees may negotiate and enter into a distribution agreement binding all horsemen's associations and all licensees as required by subsection (a).

(e) The initial distribution agreement entered into by the negotiation committees:

(1) must be in writing;

(2) must be submitted to the Indiana horse racing commission before October 1, 2013;

(3) must be approved by the Indiana horse racing commission before January 1, 2014; and

(4) may contain any terms determined to be necessary and appropriate by the negotiation committees, subject to subsection (f) and section 12 of this chapter.

(f) A distribution agreement must provide that at least ten percent (10%) and not more than twelve percent (12%) of a licensee's adjusted gross receipts must be distributed under section 12(b) of this chapter. A distribution agreement applies to adjusted gross receipts received by the licensee after December 31 of the calendar year in which the distribution agreement is approved by the Indiana horse racing commission.

(g) A distribution agreement may expire on December 31 of a particular calendar year if a subsequent distribution agreement will take effect on January 1 of the following calendar year. A subsequent distribution agreement:

(1) is subject to the approval of the Indiana horse racing commission; and

(2) must be submitted to the Indiana horse racing commission before October 1 of the calendar year preceding the calendar year in which the distribution agreement will take effect.

(h) The Indiana horse racing commission shall annually report to the budget committee on the effect of each distribution agreement on the Indiana horse racing industry before January 1 of the following calendar year.

As added by P.L.210-2013, SEC.15. Amended by P.L.255-2015, SEC.41; P.L.108-2019, SEC.78; P.L.168-2019, SEC.20.