(TRENTON) – To ensure the New Jersey Racing Commission (NJRC) is monitoring procedures to verify that all revenues collected are deposited timely, properly recorded in the State accounting system, and accounted for in the NJRC system, Assembly Democrat Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) sponsors a measure approved by the full Assembly on Thursday 74-0.
“We found in the State Auditor’s report from 2016 to 2020 that many suspended horsemen remained active and a few hundred thousand dollars in fines had not been collected,” said Caputo. “Many issues have gone unreported and it is necessary for the State to closely monitor to ensure rules are followed and there is more attentiveness toward safety.”
The bill (A-327) would enforce several internal control monitoring procedures to confirm the commission is complying with the requirements. A comprehensive audit would be completed each fiscal year with statistics and recommendations about any deficiencies identified.
“With a set of procedures to follow and a yearly audit, we can keep track of any issues and address them in a timely manner,” said Caputo. “This bill will allow the Commission to proactively enforce the procedures necessary to help horseracing in New Jersey thrive.”
Under the bill, the commission would implement monitoring to ensure licensees’ fingerprints are updated and licensees are notified of renewals on a timely basis. The Commission would notify a licensee in writing if their fingerprints are due for renewal. If an individual fails to update their fingerprints prior to expiration, their licenses would be suspended.
The bi-partisan measure is also sponsored by Assemblyman Ronald Dancer (R-Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean).