123rd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 2184		LR 3472(02)
	An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Study the Promotion, Expansion and Regulation of the Harness Racing Industry
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "     "
	Committee: Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - General Fund Minor cost increase - Highway Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This legislation could result in a reduction in dedicated revenue to the Department of the Attorney General.  Currently, the Harness Racing Commission pays for legal services by funding a portion of an Assistant Attorney General position.  Determining exactly how much work could be performed by the executive director of the Harness Racing Commission in lieu of the Assistant Attorney General position can not be determined at this time.  The Department of the Attorney General will secure revenue from another source to make up the potential loss of revenue.  Therefore, there will be no decrease to the allocation related to the position in the Office of the Attorney General.
	Additional costs to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.  Currently, the Harness Racing Commission investigates all cases where it has been alleged that a horse was given prohibited substances.  This legislation indicates that the Department of Public Safety, State Police may assist in these investigations if requested by the Commission.  It is assumed that the Commission would continue to investigate the majority of these cases and the State Police would not be called in frequently.  Therefore, any additional costs to the Department of Public Safety can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.