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    Information on Minnesota State Agencies, Boards, Task Forces, and Commissions

    Compiled by the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library

    Racing Commission

    Also known as:
    Minnesota Racing Commission
    Active dates:1983-
    Authority:
    Minn. Stat. 240.02
    1983 Minn. Laws Chap. 214 Sec. 2
    Function:

    Licenses persons to operate racetracks, conduct horse racing, and conduct pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing; enforces and collects all applicable taxes and license fees; and establishes a Minnesota Breeders' Fund.

    History:

    In November, 1982, the Minnesota voters approved by an overwhelming majority a constitutional amendment allowing pari-mutuel horse racing. In response to that public mandate, in 1983 the Minnesota Legislature enacted Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 240, which created and empowered the Minnesota Racing Commission. (Information taken from the Racing Commission's website, 3/3/09).
    Related to:
    Governor's Advisory Committee on Gambling
    Membership:

    The MRC includes a board of nine commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate for six year terms. They meet on the first Tuesday of each month for a work session and the third Thursday of each month for a full commission meeting during which items are on the agenda for action by the commission.
     

    Entries for this agency in the Annual Compilation and Statistical Report of Multi-Member Agencies Report: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983.

    Note: This report provides membership details as well as meeting information and a summary of the group's activities.

    Agency heads:

    Kyle Gustafson was appointed to serve as the Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director on December 9, 2022 by Governor Tim Walz. Gustafson will replace Charlene Briner, who has been serving as the commission’s interim executive director. 
    Internet resource:
    Minnesota Racing Commission
    Minnesota Management & Budget Agency Profile
    Reports:
    Annual Report of the Minnesota Racing Commission (1983-present)
    Minnesota Racing Commission: Internal Controls and Compliance Audit, July 2012 through June 2014 (December 2014)
    Minnesota Racing Commission: Oversight of Purse Contributions at Running Aces Harness Park: Special Review (July 2014)
    Note: The Legislative Reference Library may have additional reports on or by this group available through our catalog.
    Documents/Articles:
    The awkward first meeting of the Minnesota Racing Commission with newly appointed tribal leaders. MinnPost, 7/17/2024.
    Governor Walz Appoints Kyle Gustafson to Serve as the Minnesota Racing Commission Executive Director. Office of Governor Tim Walz & Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, 12/9/2022.
    News clippings and documents. Agencies Notebook Collection, 1983-2021.
    Record last updated: 12/19/2022
     

    All information on this group from the Library’s collection of agency notebooks has been digitized. These materials are incorporated into the “documents/articles” section of the record. Please contact a librarian with any questions. The Minnesota Agencies database is a work in progress.

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