HISA Enforcement Rule, 4023-4031 [2022-01663]

Agencies

• FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 17 (Wednesday, January 26, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 4023-4031]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-01663]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

[File No. P222100]


HISA Enforcement Rule

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice of Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) 
proposed rule; request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 recognizes a 
self-regulatory nonprofit organization, the Horseracing Integrity and 
Safety Authority, which is charged with developing proposed rules on a 
variety of subjects. Those proposed rules and later proposed rule 
modifications take effect only if approved by the Federal Trade 
Commission. The proposed rules and rule modifications must be published 
in the Federal Register for public comment. Thereafter, the Commission 
has 60 days from the date of publication to approve or disapprove the 
proposed rule or rule modification. The Authority submitted to the 
Commission a proposed rule on Enforcement on December 20, 2021. The 
Office of the Secretary of the Commission determined that the proposal 
complied with the Commission's rule governing such submissions. This 
document publicizes the Authority's proposed rule text and explanation, 
and it seeks public comment on whether the Commission should approve or 
disapprove the proposed rule.

DATES: If approved, the HISA proposed rule would have an effective date 
of July 1, 2022. Comments must be received on or before February 9, 
2022.

ADDRESSES: Interested parties may file a comment online or on paper by 
following the instructions in the Comment Submissions part of the 
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below. Write ``HISA Enforcement'' on 
your comment and file your comment online at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number FTC-2022-0009. If you prefer to 
file your comment on paper, mail your comment to the following address: 
Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 600 Pennsylvania 
Avenue NW, Suite CC-5610 (Annex B), Washington, DC 20580, or deliver 
your comment to the following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office 
of the Secretary, Constitution Center, 400 7th Street SW, 5th Floor, 
Suite 5610 (Annex B), Washington, DC 20024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Austin King (202-326-3166), Associate 
General Counsel for Rulemaking, Office of the General Counsel, Federal 
Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20580.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Table of Contents

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Background, 
Purpose of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule
    a. Background and Purpose
    b. Statutory Basis
II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of 
Substance of the Proposed Rule
    a. Rule 8100--Violations
    b. Rule 8200-- Sanctions for Violations; Consent Decrees; Notice 
of Suspected or Actual Violation
    c. Rule 8300 et seq.-- Disciplinary Hearings and Accreditation 
Procedures
    d. Rule 8400-- Investigatory Powers
III. Self-Regulatory Organization's Summary of Comments
IV. Self-Regulatory Organization's Response to Comments and 
Discussion of Alternatives
V. Legal Authority
VI. Effective Date
VII. Request for Comments
VIII. Comment and Submissions
IX. Communications by Outside Parities to the Commissioners or Their 
Advisors
X. Self-Regulatory Organization's Proposed Rule Language

Background

    The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 \1\ recognizes a 
self-regulatory nonprofit organization, the Horseracing Integrity and 
Safety Authority, which is charged with developing proposed rules on a 
variety of subjects. Those proposed rules and later proposed rule 
modifications take effect only if approved by the Federal Trade 
Commission.\2\ The proposed rules and rule modifications must be 
published in the Federal Register for public comment.\3\ Thereafter, 
the Commission has 60 days from the date of publication to approve or 
disapprove the proposed rule or rule modification.\4\
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    \1\ 15 U.S.C. 3051 through 3060.
    \2\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(b)(2).
    \3\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(b)(1).
    \4\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(c)(1).
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    The Authority submitted to the Commission a proposed rule on 
Enforcement on December 20, 2021. The Office of the Secretary of the 
Commission determined that the proposal complied with the Commission's 
rule governing such submissions.\5\
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    \5\ 16 CFR 1.140-1.144; see also Fed. Trade Comm'n, Procedures 
for Submission of Rules Under the Horseracing Integrity and Safety 
Act, 86 FR 54819 (Oct. 5, 2021).
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    Pursuant to Section 3053(a) of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety 
Act of 2020 (the ``Act'') and Federal Trade Commission Rule Sec.  
1.142, notice is hereby given that, on December 20, 2021, the 
Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (``HISA'' or the 
``Authority'') filed with the Federal Trade Commission (the 
``Commission'') the proposed Enforcement rule and supporting 
documentation as described in Items I, II, III, IV, and X below, which 
Items have been prepared by HISA. The Commission is publishing this 
notice to solicit comments on the proposed rule from interested 
persons.

I. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Background, Purpose 
of, and Statutory Basis for, the Proposed Rule

a. Background and Purpose

    The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020 (``Act'') 
recognizes that the establishment of a national set of uniform 
standards for racetrack safety and medication control will enhance the 
safety and integrity of horseracing. As part of this endeavor, the Act, 
in 15 U.S.C. 3053(a), directs the Authority to develop proposed rules 
relating to ``(8) a description of safety, performance, and anti-doping 
and medication control rule violations applicable to covered horses and 
covered persons; (9) a schedule of civil sanctions for violations; and 
(10) a process or procedures for disciplinary hearings.''
    With the review, input, and ultimate approval of the Authority's 
Board of Directors, the proposed rule: (1) Sets forth a set of 
violations in addition to those proposed separately in the Rule 2200 
Series, previously filed on

[[Page 4024]]

December 6, 2021; (2) puts in place a schedule of civil sanctions for 
use in conjunction with the violations; (3) creates hearing and appeal 
procedures for disciplinary and accreditation decisions; and (4) sets 
forth rules that define the investigatory powers available to the 
Authority.

b. Statutory Basis

    The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act of 2020, 15 U.S.C. 3051 
through 3060.

II. Self-Regulatory Organization's Statement of the Terms of Substance 
of the Proposed Rule

    The proposed rule submitted by the Authority, which is applicable 
to all covered horses, covered persons, and covered racetracks, would 
establish rule violations and civil sanctions, procedures for 
disciplinary and accreditation hearings, and provisions concerning the 
exercise of investigatory powers by the Authority. The proposed rules 
would ensure that the Authority's enforcement activities are conducted 
pursuant to a set of uniform standards. The Act provides that the 
uniform rules established under 15 U.S.C. 3057(d)(1) shall: ``(A) take 
into account the unique aspects of horseracing; (B) be designed to 
ensure fair and transparent horseraces; and (C) deter safety, 
performance, and anti-doping and medication control rule violations.'' 
15 U.S.C. 3057(d)(2).

Existing Standards

    In developing the rules pertaining to violations, sanctions, 
hearing procedures, and investigatory powers, the Authority relied to a 
great extent upon the rules of horseracing in these subject areas as 
they currently exist in racing states. Additionally, rules in the 
various states incorporate many of the specific standards and protocols 
set forth in the Association of Racing Commissioners International's 
Model Rules of Racing (``ARCI Rules''). The ARCI ``Model Rules'' of 
racing and wagering are recognized worldwide as a standard for the 
independent and impartial regulation of horseracing as well as the 
conduct of pari-mutuel wagering. Relying upon the collective expertise 
of regulatory personnel in member jurisdictions in consultation with 
regulated entities, industry stakeholders, fans and individuals, ARCI 
committees regularly consider ways to improve and enhance the 
regulation of racing. In some racing states, the Model Rules have the 
force of law, as they have been adopted by reference statutorily or 
through regulatory rulemaking. In other states the Model Rules form the 
basis upon which rules are written, ensuring substantial uniformity in 
the regulation of the sport.
    While state regulations vary in many details concerning medication 
control and safety provisions, the overall structure of the rules 
governing horseracing is consistent between and among the states. The 
rules of horseracing center around a number of common subject areas, 
including the licensing of racing associations and of individual 
participants in horseracing, medication control rules, pari-mutuel 
wagering rules, the operation of various incentive funds, rules 
concerning the running of the race, and rules establishing disciplinary 
measures and hearing procedures. The basic precepts of many of the 
rules pertaining to violations, sanctions, hearing procedures, and 
investigatory powers have been in force in racing states for many 
years, and the Authority has reviewed key provisions in numerous states 
in the course of developing the Rule 8000 Series.
    The Authority has also examined rules promulgated by the Financial 
Industry Regulatory Authority (``FINRA''). FINRA regulates and 
investigates the activities of brokerage firms, and a review of some of 
the FINRA provisions related to sanctions and investigatory powers was 
beneficial in the development of HISA rules in these areas.
    In sum, many of the rules set forth in this 8000 Series are derived 
from provisions with common features in many of the state and ARCI 
rules. The Authority reviewed these provisions and tailored them to the 
Authority's regulatory structure and goals. The process was one of 
analysis and incorporation of common existing standards, and did not to 
any significant extent require the rejection of alternate standards. In 
other words, for many aspects of the proposed rules, the Authority 
identified no reasonable alternatives to the consensus established in 
existing state laws.
    The provisions of this Rule were made publicly available on the 
HISA website on November 22, 2021. Very few comments were received, but 
those that were received are addressed below. The ARCI Rules, several 
key state laws, and the FINRA provisions on which the Authority, as 
well as the few comments that the Authority received in its pre-
submission comment-seeking process, are included in the supporting 
documentation available at https://www.regulations.gov under docket 
number FTC-2022-0009.
a. Rule 8100--Violations
    The violations set forth in this section are drawn from similar 
provisions found in the ARCI Rules and the rules of many racing states. 
A number of the violations prohibit interfering with or obstructing 
investigatory or regulatory efforts conducted by Authority personnel. 
The violations also include attempts to conceal violations or to 
intimidate witnesses to violations or individuals who might report 
violations. Other provisions penalize the perpetration of a fraud 
concerning a Covered Horse and the failure to properly register with 
the Authority as required by rule. The prohibitions in Rule 8100 
operate together with the Racetrack Safety Rules in the separately 
proposed Rule 2200 Series and future anti-doping and medication control 
rules to provide a comprehensive enforcement scheme that will enhance 
the safety and integrity of horseracing.\6\
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    \6\ See generally 15 U.S.C. 3057(a)(2); 810 Ky. Admin. Reg. 
3:020 (``Licensing of Racing Participants''), Section 15 (``License 
Denial, Revocation, and Suspension'').
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    The violations enumerated in this rule are tailored to the unique 
aspects of horseracing in that violations do arise in the sport and 
must be penalized. It is vital to penalize violations to ensure that 
horseraces are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, which gives 
participants and the betting public confidence in the integrity of the 
sport. The successful prosecution of violations requires the 
investigation of the circumstances surrounding an alleged violation. An 
investigation includes interviewing the person alleged to have 
committed the violation, the inspection of that person's books and 
records upon request by investigators, and interviewing other 
individuals who may have knowledge of the violation. The violation 
provisions in Section 8100 penalize conduct that inhibits the 
investigatory process; such conduct includes intimidating witnesses, 
failing to cooperate with an investigation, and failing to provide 
accurate information regarding an investigation. Successful and 
consistent prosecution of violations deters violations and ensures the 
integrity of the sport. The 8100 series also penalized Covered Persons 
and Racetracks who fail to remit fees as required under 15 U.S.C. 
3052(f)(3), as funding of the Authority is a vital element in 
supporting the Authority's unique role in ensuring fair and transparent 
horseracing and deterring rule violations.

[[Page 4025]]

b. Rule 8200--Sanctions for Violations; Consent Decrees; Notice of 
Suspected or Actual Violation
    The sanctions set forth in Rule 8200 apply to the Racetrack Safety 
rules set forth in the Rule 2200 Series and to the violations 
established in Rule 8100. Specifically exempted from the 8000 series 
are the rules under development by the Authority's Anti-Doping and 
Medication Committee. The rules pertaining to anti-doping and 
medication control violations are complex and specific to the unique 
aspects of medication control and will be set forth in that body of 
rules. Additionally, a second exemption in Rule 8200 makes clear that 
the sanctions in Rule 8200 do not apply to areas of regulatory activity 
that are not pre-empted by HISA; state regulations will continue to 
govern disciplinary action in these areas. By way of example, state 
regulations will continue to operate in the context of pari-mutuel 
wagering and the licensing by state racing commissions of individual 
participants in horseracing.
    The sanctions provide the Authority with a broad range of options 
to apply in penalizing the violation of Authority rules. The sanctions 
range from the severe penalty of a lifetime ban from registration with 
the Authority to revocation or suspension of a Covered Person's 
registration, the imposition of specified fines, or the issuance of a 
cease and desist order. Rule 8200 further permits the Authority to 
require a Covered Person as a condition of participation in horseracing 
to take any remedial or other action that is consistent with the 
safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, Covered Persons, and 
Covered Horseraces.
    The rule also includes a mechanism permitting the Authority to 
issue a Notice of Suspected or Actual Violation to a Covered Person in 
cases in which the Authority has reason to suspect that a Covered 
Person has violated or failed to comply with Authority rules. This 
mechanism requires the Authority to specify the nature of the suspected 
or actual violation and requires the Covered Person to respond to the 
Authority's notice. The Notice provision is intended in part to allow 
safety issues to be addressed without immediate resort to formal 
disciplinary action.\7\
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    \7\ See generally FINRA Rule 8310 (``Sanctions for Violation of 
the Rules''); 810 Ky. Admin. Reg. 8:030 (``Disciplinary Measures and 
Penalties''), Sections 9 (``Disciplinary Measures by Stewards and 
Judges'') and 10 (``Disciplinary Measures by the Commission''); 
Minn. Admin. R. 7897.0120 (``Disciplinary Sanctions''); Minn. Admin. 
R. 7897.0130 (``Schedule of Fines'').
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    The schedule of sanctions set forth in Rule 8200 provides the 
specific penalties that are the consequence of committing a rule 
violation in horseracing as conducted under the jurisdiction of the 
Authority. The schedule is tailored to the unique aspects of 
horseracing in that it imposes substantial fines upon Covered Persons. 
The imposition of fines is very common in the penalization of 
violations of horseracing rules. The sanctions also include forfeiture 
of purse, disqualification of horses, and changes to the order of 
finish in horse races, which are penalties unique to horseracing. 
Various other provisions can result in temporary or permanent 
revocation of registration with the Authority; registration is required 
to participate in horseracing. Additionally, racetracks can be 
prohibited from conducting horseraces upon a finding that a racetrack 
safety violation has been committed.
    The sanctions established under Rule 8200 work in conjunction with 
the violations set forth in Rule 8100 to ensure that violations are 
properly and consistently penalized. This deters future violations and 
ensures that racing participants and the betting public have confidence 
that horseracing is conducted in a fair and transparent manner. The 
Consent Decree provision is included to allow the Authority to enter 
into agreements with Covered Persons that will ensure that Covered 
Persons take actions as needed to ensure that horseracing is conducted 
in a fair and transparent manner consistent with preserving the 
integrity of the sport. Similarly, the Notice of Suspected or Actual 
Violation allows the Authority to identify potential or actual 
violations and to ensure that Covered Persons cooperate with the 
Authority in taking any remedial action necessary to protect the 
integrity of horseracing.
c. Rule 8300 et seq.--Disciplinary Hearings and Accreditation 
Procedures
    The disciplinary procedures established in the Rule 8300 Series 
apply to Safety Violations in the Rule 2200 Series as well as the 
violations set forth in Rule 8100. Rule 8310 specifies that anti-doping 
and medication control rule violations are to be adjudicated in 
accordance with the specialized procedures within the medication rules. 
In tandem with Rule 8200, the disciplinary proceedings do not apply to 
areas of regulatory activity that are not pre-empted by HISA.
    Rule 8320 provides a procedure pertaining to the appeal of 
violations. The rule specifies that stewards' rulings penalizing 
violation of the prohibitions relating to riding crops, shock wave 
therapy, and electrical or mechanical devices are appealable to the 
Board of the Authority. All other rule violations of the safety rules 
in Rule 2200 Series are referred by the Racing Safety Committee to one 
of four adjudicative bodies, depending upon the seriousness of the 
alleged violation and the facts of the case; the Racetrack Safety 
Committee may conduct the initial appeal hearing itself, or it may 
refer the case to the state stewards, or to either the National 
Stewards Panel or the Arbitral Body to be established under anti-doping 
and medication control rules. Under this procedure, the Racetrack 
Safety Committee, having knowledge and expertise concerning matters of 
racetrack safety, will direct the case to the adjudicator best suited 
to decide the case.
    In a parallel manner, the Board of the Authority will refer the 
appeal of violations of the prohibitions in Rule 8100 either to the 
Board itself for a hearing, to the state stewards, or to either the 
National Stewards Panel or the Arbitral Body to be established under 
anti-doping and medication control rules.
    Rule 8340 sets forth notice requirements and hearing procedures to 
guide the adjudication of hearings before the Board of the Authority or 
the Racetrack Safety Committee in appeals under Rules 8320 and 8330 in 
those instances when the Board or the Committee refer matters to 
themselves for a hearing (the hearings referrals are described as 
``initial hearings'' in Rule 8340). In the case of an initial hearing 
before the Board, the Board will appoint a panel of three Board members 
to adjudicate at the hearing. Rule 8340 establishes the procedures for 
the hearings.
    Rule 8350 sets forth procedures for the appeal to the Board of any 
decision rendered by the Racetrack Safety Committee, the state 
stewards, the National Stewards Panel, or an Arbitral Body. 
Additionally, in those instances in which a panel of the Board conducts 
the initial hearing, the procedures prohibit the members of the panel 
from participating in consideration of the appeal before the full 
Board. Rule 8350 establishes the procedures and standards of review to 
be provided upon appeal.
    Rule 8360 establishes procedures appeals from any decision rendered 
by the Authority denying or revoking racetrack accreditation. The 
procedures provide that any revocation of accreditation be stayed, 
pending the Authority's review of the case. The Authority may permit 
the racetrack to

[[Page 4026]]

make a presentation, if requested by the racetrack. One commenter 
suggested creating a timeframe for the request and presentation, but 
the Authority prefers to avoid rigid timeframes in this context. The 
Authority may also request additional information from any source 
concerning the review of the case. After considering factors enumerated 
in the Rule concerning the nature of deficiencies in racetrack 
operations, the Authority may then deny or revoke accreditation upon a 
two-thirds vote of a quorum of the Authority members present; 
alternatively, the Authority may reinstate accreditation subject to any 
requirements deemed necessary by the Authority to ensure that 
horseracing at the racetrack is conducted in a safe manner. The process 
in Rule 8360 is designed to provide the racetrack and the Authority the 
opportunity and flexibility to remedy racetrack deficiencies and ensure 
that horseracing is conducted safely.
    Finally, Rule 8370 makes clear that decisions rendered by the 
Authority under Rules 8350 and 8360 constitute final civil sanctions 
within the meaning of 15 U.S.C. 3058, and are therefore subject to 
appeal and review by the Commission pursuant to the statute.\8\
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    \8\ See generally Minn. Admin. R. 7897.0150 (``Disciplinary 
Procedures''); Minn. Admin. R. 7897.0170 (``Conduct of Appeal 
Hearing''); Model Rules of the Association of Racing Commissioners 
International (``Chapter 3, Due Process and Hearings, ARCI-003-010 
Proceedings by Stewards/Judges'').
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    It is vital to penalize violations of the rules of horseracing to 
ensure that horseraces are conducted in a fair and transparent manner, 
which gives participants and the betting public confidence in the 
integrity of the sport. In accordance with principles of due process, 
persons alleged to have committed violations are entitled to a fair 
hearing at which they may have the opportunity to present evidence in 
defense of a charged violation. The provisions set forth in the Rule 
8300 Series establish the rules and parameters of the hearing process. 
These provisions also provide for appeals to the Authority to review 
any decisions rendered against a Covered Person who is charged with a 
violation. These provisions are keyed to the unique organizational 
structure of the Authority. The hearing process is necessary to ensure 
that the penalties imposed upon Covered Persons are based upon a 
legitimate legal process that comports with the principles of due 
process. This ensures that violations are consistently and fairly 
penalized, which in turn deters future violations, and maintains the 
integrity and conduct of fair and transparent horseraces.
    The Rule 8300 Series also establishes procedures for hearings to 
adjudicate the denial or revocation of racetrack accreditation in those 
instances in which racetracks are alleged to have committed violations 
of the Racetrack Safety rules. Racetrack safety is of course unique to 
horseracing and is essential to ensure that horseracing is conducted 
safely and in a fair and transparent manner.
4. Rule 8400--Investigatory Powers
    The provisions set forth in Rule 8400 are common to the rules of 
many racing states and the ARCI rules of horseracing. These provisions 
establish the Authority's power of access to records and places of 
business used in connection with Covered Horses and authorize the 
seizure of medications or other items that are in violation or 
suspected violation of Authority rules. The rules require Covered 
Persons to cooperate with the Authority in investigations, and they 
include the duty to respond truthfully to questions posed by 
investigators about a racing matter. Rule 8400 also authorizes the 
issuance of subpoenas and oaths to witnesses. All these provisions will 
serve to enhance the integrity of horseracing by ensuring the effective 
enforcement of Authority rules.\9\
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    \9\ See generally FINRA Rule 8210 (a) (``Provision of 
Information and Testimony and Inspection and Copying of Books''); 
Ky. Rev. Stat. 230.260(12) (``Authority of Kentucky Horse Racing 
Commission''); Minn. Stat. 240.21 (``Right of Inspection'').
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    As stated previously, it is vital to penalize violations of the 
rules of horseracing to ensure that horseraces are conducted in a fair 
and transparent manner, which gives participants and the betting public 
confidence in the integrity of the sport. The successful prosecution of 
violations requires the investigation of all the circumstances 
surrounding an alleged violation. Central to any investigation is the 
power to gain access to the books, records, and premises of persons 
believed to have committed a violation; to subpoena witnesses; and to 
take testimony under oath of any person with knowledge of the 
circumstances regarding a violation. Rule 8400 specifically confers 
these powers upon the Authority and penalizes any obstruction or 
failure to comply with the investigatory powers set forth in the 
section.

III. Self-Regulatory Organization's Summary of Comments

    As encouraged by the Commission's procedural rule, beginning in 
November 2021, prior to finalization of the submissions by the 
Authority to the Commission, a draft of the proposed Enforcement rule 
was made available to the public for review and comment on the HISA 
website, https://www.hisausregs.org/. Five comments upon the 8000 
series were received. These comments were posted on the HISA 
Regulations Publication website at https://www.hisausregs.org/.

IV. Self-Regulatory Organization's Responses to Comments and Discussion 
of Alternatives

    The following is a description of the primary subjects that 
received comments and the manner in which the Authority addressed those 
comments in developing the proposed rule submitted to the Commission, 
as well as the reasonable alternatives the Authority considered 
alongside the option ultimately proposed.
    As previously mentioned, because of the relative uniformity of 
state approaches to defining violations, imposing sanctions, 
establishing hearing procedures, and providing investigatory powers, 
informed heavily by the ARCI Model Rules, the Authority did not 
identify reasonable alternatives to many of the aspects of its proposed 
Enforcement rule. The absence of reasonable alternatives to many 
aspects of Enforcement was underscored by the paucity of public 
comments on the proposed rule compared to the plethora of comments the 
Authority has received on Racetrack Safety (proposed on December 6, 
2021) and Anti-Doping (yet to be proposed but under development). Most 
aspects of the proposed Enforcement rule received no comments, 
including Rule 8100 and Rule 8400.

Rule 8200 Comments

    One commenter inquired whether Continuing Education courses will be 
required in this context. Rule 2182, previously proposed to the 
Commission, does establish Continuing Education requirements. Rule 8200 
further provides that the Authority may enter into a consent decree or 
similar agreement with a Covered Person to enhance the safety and 
integrity of horseracing under the Act. Such a decree might require a 
trainer to adopt improved practices to ensure proper care for horses or 
might similarly require a racetrack to upgrade its facilities to 
enhance the safety of horseracing conducted at the track.
    One commenter asked whether a consent decree ``process'' has been 
developed. The rule allows the Authority to enter into a consent 
decree,

[[Page 4027]]

though the process for doing so is not strictly defined, to allow for 
flexibility in developing decrees.

Rule 8300 et seq. Comments

    One commenter suggested deleting Rule 8320, though without offering 
a reason; the Authority believes the Rule will operate to enhance the 
effective enforcement of racing safety and integrity.
    One commenter suggested creating a timeframe for the request and 
presentation under Rule 8360, but the Authority prefers to avoid rigid 
timeframes in this context.

V. Legal Authority

    The rule is proposed by the Authority for approval or disapproval 
by the Commission under 15 U.S.C. 3053(c)(1).

VI. Effective Date

    If approved by the Commission, the proposed rule will take effect 
July 1, 2022.

VII. Request for Comments

    Members of the public are invited to comment on the Authority's 
proposed rule. The Commission requests that factual data on which the 
comments are based be submitted with the comments. The supporting 
documentation referred to in the Authority's filing, as well as the 
written comments it received before submitting the proposed rule to the 
Commission, are available for public inspection at www.regulations.gov 
under docket number FTC-2022-0009.
    The Commission seeks comments that address the decisional criteria 
provided by the Act. The Act gives the Commission two criteria against 
which to measure proposed rules and rule modifications: ``The 
Commission shall approve a proposed rule or modification if the 
Commission finds that the proposed rule or modification is consistent 
with--(A) this chapter; and (B) applicable rules approved by the 
Commission.'' \10\ In other words, the Commission will evaluate the 
proposed rule for its consistency with the specific requirements, 
factors, standards, or considerations in the text of the Act as well as 
the Commission's procedural rule.
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    \10\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(c)(2).
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    Although the Commission must approve the proposed rule if the 
Commission finds that the proposed rule is consistent with the Act and 
the Commission's procedural rule, the Commission may consider broader 
questions about the health and safety of horses or the integrity of 
horseraces and wagering on horseraces in another context: ``The 
Commission may adopt an interim final rule, to take effect immediately, 
. . . if the Commission finds that such a rule is necessary to 
protect--(1) the health and safety of covered horses; or (2) the 
integrity of covered horseraces and wagering on those horseraces.'' 
\11\ The Commission may exercise its power to issue an interim final 
rule on its own initiative or in response to a petition from a member 
from the public. If members of the public wish to provide comments to 
the Commission that bear on protecting the health and safety of horses 
or the integrity of horseraces and wagering on horseraces but do not 
discuss whether HISA's proposed rule on Enforcement is consistent with 
the Act or the applicable rules, they should not submit a comment here. 
Instead, they are encouraged to submit a petition requesting that the 
Commission issue an interim final rule addressing the subject of 
interest. The petition must meet all the criteria established in the 
Rules of Practice (Part 1, Subpart D); \12\ if it does, the petition 
will be published in the Federal Register for public comment. In 
particular, the petition for an interim final rule must ``identify the 
problem the requested action is intended to address and explain why the 
requested action is necessary to address the problem.'' \13\ As 
relevant here, the petition should provide sufficient information for 
the public to comment on, and for the Commission to find, that the 
requested interim final rule is ``necessary to protect--(1) the health 
and safety of covered horses; or (2) the integrity of covered 
horseraces and wagering on those horseraces.'' \14\
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    \11\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(e).
    \12\ 16 CFR 1.31; see Fed. Trade Comm'n, Procedures for 
Responding to Petitions for Rulemaking, 86 FR 59851 (Oct. 29, 2021).
    \13\ 16 CFR 1.31(b)(3).
    \14\ 15 U.S.C. 3053(e).
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VIII. Comment Submissions

    You can file a comment online or on paper. For the Commission to 
consider your comment, we must receive it on or before February 9, 
2022. Write ``HISA Enforcement'' on your comment. Your comment--
including your name and your state--will be placed on the public record 
of this proceeding, including, to the extent practicable, on the 
website https://www.regulations.gov.
    Because of the public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 
outbreak and the Commission's heightened security screening, postal 
mail addressed to the Commission will be subject to delay. We strongly 
encourage you to submit your comments online through the https://www.regulations.gov website. To ensure that the Commission considers 
your online comment, please follow the instructions on the web-based 
form.
    If you file your comment on paper, write ``HISA Enforcement'' on 
your comment and on the envelope, and mail your comment to the 
following address: Federal Trade Commission, Office of the Secretary, 
600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite CC-5610 (Annex B), Washington, DC 
20580, or deliver your comment to the following address: Federal Trade 
Commission, Office of the Secretary, Constitution Center, 400 7th 
Street SW, 5th Floor, Suite 5610 (Annex B), Washington, DC 20024. If 
possible, please submit your paper comment to the Commission by courier 
or overnight service.
    Because your comment will be placed on the public record, you are 
solely responsible for making sure that your comment does not include 
any sensitive or confidential information. In particular, your comment 
should not contain sensitive personal information, such as your or 
anyone else's Social Security number; date of birth; driver's license 
number or other state identification number or foreign country 
equivalent; passport number; financial account number; or credit or 
debit card number. You are also solely responsible for making sure your 
comment does not include any sensitive health information, such as 
medical records or other individually identifiable health information. 
In addition, your comment should not include any ``[t]rade secret or 
any commercial or financial information which . . . is privileged or 
confidential''--as provided in Section 6(f) of the FTC Act, 15 U.S.C. 
46(f), and FTC Rule Sec.  4.10(a)(2), 16 CFR 4.10(a)(2)--including in 
particular competitively sensitive information such as costs, sales 
statistics, inventories, formulas, patterns, devices, manufacturing 
processes, or customer names.
    Comments containing material for which confidential treatment is 
requested must be filed in paper form, must be clearly labeled 
``Confidential,'' and must comply with FTC Rule Sec.  4.9(c), 16 CFR 
4.9(c). In particular, the written request for confidential treatment 
that accompanies the comment must include the factual and legal basis 
for the request and must identify the specific portions of the comment 
to be withheld from the public record. See FTC Rule Sec.  4.9(c). Your 
comment will be kept confidential only if the General Counsel grants 
your request in accordance with the law and the public interest. Once 
your comment has been posted publicly at

[[Page 4028]]

www.regulations.gov--as legally required by FTC Rule Sec.  4.9(b), 16 
CFR 4.9(b)--we cannot redact or remove your comment, unless you submit 
a confidentiality request that meets the requirements for such 
treatment under FTC Rule Sec.  4.9(c), and the General Counsel grants 
that request.
    Visit the FTC website to read this document and the news release 
describing it. The FTC Act and other laws that the Commission 
administers permit the collection of public comments to consider and 
use in this proceeding as appropriate. The Commission will consider all 
timely and responsive public comments it receives on or before February 
9, 2022. For information on the Commission's privacy policy, including 
routine uses permitted by the Privacy Act, see https://www.ftc.gov/siteinformation/privacypolicy.

IX. Communications by Outside Parties to the Commissioners or Their 
Advisors

    Written communications and summaries or transcripts of oral 
communications respecting the merits of this proceeding, from any 
outside party to any Commissioner or Commissioner's advisor, will be 
placed on the public record. See 16 CFR 1.26(b)(5).

X. Self-Regulatory Organization's Proposed Rule Language

Rule 8000 Series--Violations, Sanctions, Hearing Procedures, and 
Investigatory Powers

8100 Violations
8200 Schedule of Sanctions for Violations; Consent Decrees; Notice of 
Suspected or Actual Violation
8300 Disciplinary Hearings and Accreditation Procedures
8310 Application
8320 Adjudication of Violations of Established in the Rule 2200 Series
8330 Adjudication of Rule 8100 Violations
8340 Initial Hearings Conducted Before the Racetrack Safety Committee 
or the Board of the Authority
8350 Appeal to the Board
8360 Accreditation Procedures
8370 Final Civil Sanction
8400 Investigatory Powers

8000. Violations, Sanctions, Hearing Procedures, and Investigatory 
Powers

8100. Violations

    Violations under this Rule shall include:
    (a) Failure to cooperate with the Authority or an agent of the 
Authority during any investigation;
    (b) Failure to respond truthfully, to the best of a Covered 
Person's knowledge, to a question of the Authority or an agent of the 
Authority with respect to any matter under the jurisdiction of the 
Authority;
    (c) Tampering or attempted tampering with the application of the 
safety, performance, or anti-doping and medication control rules or 
process adopted by the Authority, including:
    (1) Intentional interference, or an attempt to interfere, with an 
official or agent of the Authority;
    (2) Procurement or the provision of knowingly false information to 
the Authority or agent of the Authority; and
    (3) The intimidation of, or an attempt to intimidate, a potential 
witness;
    (d) Assisting, encouraging, aiding, abetting, conspiring, covering 
up, or any other type of intentional complicity involving a racetrack 
safety violation, or the violation of a period of suspension or 
ineligibility;
    (e) Threatening or seeking to intimidate a person with the intent 
of discouraging the person from the good faith reporting to the 
Authority, an agent of the Authority or the Commission, of information 
that relates to:
    (1) A suspected or alleged violation of a rule in the Rule 2200 
Series; or
    (2) a suspected or alleged noncompliance with a rule in the Rule 
2200 Series;
    (f) Failure to comply with a written order or ruling of the 
Authority or an agent of the Authority pertaining to a racing matter or 
investigation;
    (g) Failure to register with the Authority, making a knowingly 
false statement or omission of information in an application for 
registration with the Authority, or failure to advise the Authority of 
material changes in the application information as required under any 
provision in Authority regulations;
    (h) Perpetrating or attempting to perpetrate a fraud or 
misrepresentation in connection with the care or racing of a Covered 
Horse;
    (i) Failure to remit fees as required under 15 U.S.C. 3052(f)(3); 
and
    (j) Failure by a Racetrack to collect equitable allocation amounts 
among Covered Persons in conformity with the funding provisions of 15 
U.S.C. 3052(f)(3) and any rules pertaining thereto.

8200. Schedule of Sanctions for Violations; Consent Decrees; Notice of 
Suspected or Actual Violation

    (a) Application. This Schedule shall apply to any violation of, or 
failure to comply with, the Act or regulations promulgated by the 
Authority by a Covered Person, except for:
    (1) Anti-doping and medication control rule violations as 
established in the Rule 3000 Series; \15\ and
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ The Commission notes that the 3000 Series and 7000 Series 
rules have not yet been proposed by the Authority. This and other 
cross-references to forthcoming rule proposals will be effective if 
such rules are proposed by the Authority and approved by the 
Commission under the same process as this proposed rule. The 2000 
Series rules were published in the Federal Register on January 5, 
2022. 87 FR 435.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) State laws or regulations not pre-empted by 15 U.S.C. 3054(b).
    (b) Imposition of Sanction. The Authority, the Racetrack Safety 
Committee, the stewards, any steward or body of stewards selected from 
the National Stewards Panel, or an Arbitral Body, after any hearing 
required to be conducted in accordance with the Rule 7000 Series and 
upon finding a violation or failure to comply with the regulations of 
the Authority with the exceptions identified in paragraph (a), may 
impose one or more of the following sanctions on a Covered Person for 
each violation of the rules of the Authority:
    (1) For a violation of Rule 2271(b) or 2272 relating to the use of 
Shock Wave Therapy, a violation of Rule 2273 relating to the use of 
other electrical or mechanical devices, or a violation of Rule 2280 
relating to the use of the riding crop, impose the penalties set forth 
in Rules 2272, 2274, 2282, and 2283;
    (2) impose a fine upon a Covered Person in the following amounts:
    (i) Up to $50,000.00 for a first violation, or
    (ii) from $50,000.00 to $100,000.00 for a second violation of the 
same or similar nature to a prior violation, or any violation that due 
to its nature, chronicity, or severity poses an actual or potential 
threat of harm to the safety, health, and welfare of Covered Persons, 
Covered Horses, or the integrity of Covered Horseraces;
    (3) deny or suspend the registration of a Covered Person for a 
definite period, probationary period, or a period contingent on the 
performance of a particular act;
    (4) revoke the registration of a Covered Person subject to 
reapplication at a specified date;
    (5) impose a lifetime ban from registration with the Authority;
    (6) bar a Covered Person from associating with all Covered Persons 
concerning any matter under the jurisdiction of the Commission and the 
Authority during the period of a suspension;

[[Page 4029]]

    (7) impose a temporary or permanent cease and desist order against 
a Covered Person;
    (8) require a Covered Person as a condition of participation in 
horseracing to take any remedial or other action that is consistent 
with the safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, Covered 
Persons, and Covered Horseraces;
    (9) deny or require the forfeiture of purse money, disqualify a 
horse, or make changes to the order of finish in Covered Races as 
consistent with the safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, 
Covered Persons, and Covered Horseraces;
    (10) censure a Covered Person;
    (11) prohibit a Racetrack from conducting any Covered Horserace; or
    (12) impose any other sanction as a condition of participation in 
horseracing as deemed appropriate by the Authority in keeping with the 
seriousness of the violation and the facts of the case, and that is 
consistent with the safety, welfare, and integrity of Covered Horses, 
Covered Persons, and Covered Horseraces.
    (c) Consent Decrees. The Authority shall have the discretion to 
enter into a consent decree or other similar agreement with a Covered 
Person as necessary to promote the safety, welfare, and integrity of 
Covered Horses, Covered Persons, and Covered Horseraces.
    (d) Notice of Suspected or Actual Violation.
    (1) The Authority or the Racetrack Safety Committee may issue a 
Notice of Suspected or Actual Violation to a Covered Person in any case 
in which the Authority has reason to believe that the Covered Person 
has violated or has failed to comply any provision of regulations of 
the Authority. The notice shall:
    (i) Identify the provision or provisions which the Covered Person 
is believed to have violated;
    (ii) specify with reasonably particularity the factual basis of the 
Authority's belief that the provision has been violated; and
    (iii) provide the Covered Person at least 7 days to respond, or a 
longer period as deemed appropriate and specified in the Notice by the 
Authority based upon the seriousness of the violation or the imminence 
of risk.
    (2) Upon receipt of the Notice of Suspected or Actual Violation, 
the Covered Person shall respond in writing to the Authority within the 
time period specified in the notice. The Covered Person shall include 
in the response:
    (i) A statement by the Covered Person admitting the violation, or 
explaining the reasons why the Covered Person believes that a violation 
has not occurred;
    (ii) all relevant details concerning the circumstances of the 
suspected or actual violation, including the results of any 
investigation undertaken by the Covered Person of the circumstances, 
and identification of any persons responsible for the circumstances; 
and
    (iii) a detailed explanation of any remedial plan the Covered 
Person proposes to undertake to cure the suspected or actual violation, 
and the date of the expected completion of the remedial plan.

8300. Disciplinary Hearings and Accreditation Procedures

8310. Application

    An alleged violation or failure to comply with the provisions of 
the Rule 2200 Series and any alleged violation of the rules set forth 
in Rule 8100 shall be adjudicated in accordance with this Rule 8300 
Series, except that:
    (a) An alleged violation of the anti-doping and medication control 
rule provisions in the Rule 3000 Series shall be adjudicated in 
accordance with the procedures set forth therein; and
    (b) This regulation shall not apply to the adjudication of 
violations arising under state laws, racing rules, and regulations not 
preempted under 15 U.S.C. 3054(b).

8320. Adjudication of Violations of Established in the Rule 2200 Series

    (a) Any ruling by the stewards finding a violation of Rule 2271(b) 
or 2272 relating to the use of Shock Wave Therapy, a violation of Rule 
2280 relating to the use of the riding crop, or a violation of Rule 
2273 relating to the use of other electrical or mechanical devices, may 
be appealed to the Board of the Authority under the procedures 
described in Rule 8330. An appeal shall be filed in writing within 10 
days of the issuance of the ruling by the stewards.
    (b) With regard to any matter involving an alleged violation of a 
rule in the Rule 2200 Series other than those set forth in paragraph 
(a) above, the Racetrack Safety Committee may, at its discretion and 
taking into account the seriousness of the alleged violation and the 
facts of the case:
    (1) Refer the matter to the National Stewards Panel for 
adjudication in conformity with the procedures established in the Rule 
7000 Series;
    (2) Refer the matter to an independent Arbitral Body for 
adjudication in conformity with the procedures established in the Rule 
7000 Series;
    (3) Refer the matter to the stewards for adjudication in accordance 
with the procedures of the applicable state jurisdiction; or
    (4) Conduct a hearing upon the matter itself, under the procedures 
set forth in Rule 8340.

8330. Adjudication of Rule 8100 Violations

    With regard to any matter involving an alleged violation of a rule 
established in Rule 8100, the Board of the Authority may at its 
discretion and taking into account the seriousness of the violation and 
the facts of the case:
    (a) Refer the matter to the National Stewards Panel for 
adjudication in conformity with the procedures established in the Rule 
7000 Series;
    (b) Refer the matter to an independent Arbitral Body for 
adjudication in conformity with the procedures established in the Rule 
7000 Series;
    (c) Refer the matter to the stewards for adjudication in accordance 
with the procedures of the applicable state jurisdiction; or
    (d) Conduct a hearing upon the matter itself, under the procedures 
set forth in Rule 8340.

8340. Initial Hearings Conducted Before the Racetrack Safety Committee 
or the Board of the Authority

    (a) An initial hearing before the Board shall be conducted by a 
panel of three Board members. The Board chair shall appoint the panel 
members and shall also designate one of them as the chair of the panel.
    (b) An initial hearing before the Racetrack Safety Committee shall 
be heard by a quorum of the Racetrack Safety Committee. The Racetrack 
Safety Committee chair shall act as the chair of the hearing panel 
unless the Chair is unavailable, in which case the Racetrack Safety 
Committee chair shall designate a member of the quorum to act as the 
chair of the panel.
    (c) Persons entitled to notice of a hearing before the Board or the 
Racetrack Safety Committee shall be informed not less than twenty (20) 
days prior to the hearing of:
    (1) The time, place, and nature of the hearing;
    (2) the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is 
to be held;
    (3) a description of the alleged violation, specifying by number 
the rule allegedly violated; and
    (4) a statement of the factual basis of the alleged violation in 
sufficient detail to provide adequate opportunity to prepare for the 
hearing.
    (d) At any time prior to, during, or after the hearing, the Board 
or the Racetrack Safety Committee in its discretion may require the 
submission

[[Page 4030]]

of written briefs or other information as will assist in the hearing of 
the matter.
    (e) All testimony in proceedings before the Board or the Racetrack 
Safety Committee shall be given under oath.
    (f) The burden of proof shall be on the party alleging the 
violation to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the Covered 
Person has violated or failed to comply with a provision of or is 
responsible for a violation of a provision of the Authority's 
regulations.
    (g) The Board or the Racetrack Safety Committee shall allow a full 
presentation of evidence and shall not be bound by the technical rules 
of evidence. However, the Board or the Racetrack Safety Committee may 
disallow evidence that is irrelevant or unduly repetitive of other 
evidence. The Board or the Racetrack Safety Committee shall have the 
authority to determine, in its sole discretion, the weight and 
credibility of any evidence or testimony. The Board or the Racetrack 
Safety Committee may admit hearsay evidence if it determines the 
evidence is of a type that is commonly relied on by reasonably prudent 
people. Any applicable rule of privilege shall apply in hearings before 
the Board or the Committee.
    (h) A party is entitled to present his case or defense by oral or 
documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence, and to conduct such 
limited cross-examination as may be required for a full and true 
disclosure of the facts.
    (i) The Board or the Racetrack Safety Committee shall issue to all 
parties within 30 days of the close of the hearing a written decision 
setting forth findings of fact, conclusions of law and the disposition 
of the matter including any penalty imposed. If the thirtieth day falls 
on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, then the written decision shall be 
issued on the next working day immediately following the Saturday, 
Sunday, or holiday.

8350. Appeal to the Board

    (a) Any decision rendered by the Racetrack Safety Committee, the 
stewards, the National Stewards Panel, or an Arbitral Body, may be 
appealed on the record to the Board. The decision may be appealed by a 
party to the decision, or the decision may be reviewed upon the Board's 
own initiative and at its discretion.
    (b) Any decision rendered by an initial Board hearing panel may be 
appealed on the record to the Board, to be heard by a quorum of the 
Board which shall not include the Board members who were on the panel 
in the initial hearing. The decision may be appealed by a party to the 
decision, or the decision may be reviewed upon the Board's own 
initiative and at its discretion.
    (c) An appeal shall not automatically stay the decision. A party 
may request the Board to stay the decision. The Board shall order a 
stay for good cause shown.
    (d) A party to the decision may appeal to the Board by filing with 
the Board a written request for an appeal within 10 days of receiving a 
written order. The appeal request shall contain the following 
information:
    (1) The name, address, and telephone number, if any, of the 
appellant;
    (2) a description of the objections to the decision;
    (3) a statement of the relief sought; and
    (4) whether the appellant desires to be present in person at the 
hearing of the appeal.
    (e) The Board shall set a date, time, and place for the hearing. 
Notice shall be given to the appellant in writing and shall set out the 
date, time, and place of the hearing, and shall be served personally or 
sent by electronic or U.S. mail to the last known address of the 
appellant. If the appellant objects to the date of the hearing, the 
appellant may obtain a continuance, but the continuance shall not 
automatically stay imposition of a sanction or prolong a stay issued by 
the Board.
    (f) Upon review of the decision which is the subject of the appeal, 
the Board shall uphold the decision unless it is clearly erroneous or 
not supported by the evidence or applicable law.
    (g) Upon completing its review, the Board may:
    (1) Accept the decision;
    (2) Reject or modify the decision, in whole or in part;
    (3) Remand the matter, in whole or in part, to the stewards, 
Racetrack Safety Committee, the National Stewards Panel, or an Arbitral 
Body, as the case may be, for further proceedings as appropriate; or
    (4) Conduct further proceedings on the matter as appropriate, 
including but not limited to requiring the submission of written briefs 
or, in extraordinary circumstances and at the Board's discretion, the 
taking of additional testimony before the Board under oath.
    (h) The Board shall issue its written decision based on the record 
and any further proceedings or testimony. A copy of the Board's 
decision shall be served upon all parties by first class mail, 
electronic mail, or personal service.
    (i) The decision of the Board shall be the final decision of the 
Authority.

8360. Accreditation Procedures

    (a) Any decision issued by the Authority denying or revoking 
racetrack accreditation may:
    (1) Be appealed within 10 days by the Racetrack to the Authority 
for a de novo hearing reviewing the Authority's decision; or
    (2) Reviewed by the Authority on its own initiative.
    (b) The Authority's order revoking accreditation shall be stayed 
automatically pending review of the decision by the Authority.
    (c) At its discretion, the Authority may request and consider any 
additional information from any source that may assist in the review.
    (d) The Racetrack may request to make a presentation before the 
Authority concerning racetrack safety and any remedial efforts proposed 
to be undertaken by the Racetrack. At its discretion, the Authority may 
permit the Racetrack to make such presentation.
    (e) In conducting its review, that Authority may consider all 
factors that it deems appropriate, including but not limited to:
    (1) The extent and magnitude of any deficiencies in racetrack 
operations conducted at the Racetrack;
    (2) The threat posed by the deficiencies to the safety and 
integrity of horseracing conducted at the Racetrack;
    (3) The adequacy of the efforts the Racetrack proposes to undertake 
or has undertaken to remedy all deficiencies at the Racetrack;
    (4) The likelihood and timeframe within which compliance will be 
achieved by the Racetrack, given the resources available to the 
Racetrack and the past record of the Racetrack in achieving and 
maintaining compliance with the rules of the Authority; and
    (5) Any other factors the Authority deems relevant to its review.
    (f) Upon completing its review, the Authority may take one or more 
of the following actions:
    (1) Order that the Racetrack's accreditation be denied or revoked, 
upon a vote in favor of denial or revocation by two-thirds of a quorum 
of the members of the Authority;
    (2) Reinstate accreditation subject to any requirements the 
Authority deems necessary to ensure that horseracing will be conducted 
in a manner consistent with racetrack safety and integrity. The 
Authority may also impose a fine upon reinstatement in amount not to 
exceed $50,000.00. The Authority may require the Racetrack to report at 
prescribed intervals on the status of racetrack safety operations and 
remedial efforts to improve safety

[[Page 4031]]

pursuant to the Authority's racetrack safety rules; or
    (3) Prohibit a Racetrack from conducting any Covered Horserace.

8370. Final Civil Sanction

    Any decision rendered by the Board of the Authority under Rule 
8350, or the Authority under Rule 8360, shall constitute a final civil 
sanction subject to appeal and review in accordance with the provisions 
of 15 U.S.C. 3058.

8400. Investigatory Powers

    (a) The Commission, the Authority, or their designees:
    (1) Shall have free access to the books, records, offices, 
racetrack facilities, and other places of business of Covered Persons 
that are used in the care, treatment, training, and racing of Covered 
Horses, and to the books, records, offices, facilities, and other 
places of business of any person who owns a Covered Horse or performs 
services on a Covered Horse; and
    (2) May seize any medication, drug, substance, paraphernalia, 
object, or device in violation or suspected violation of any provision 
of 15 U.S.C. 57A or the regulations of the Authority.
    (b) A Covered Person shall:
    (1) Cooperate with the Commission, the Authority or their designees 
during any investigation; and
    (2) Respond truthfully to the best of the Covered Person's 
knowledge if questioned by the Commission, the Authority, or their 
designees about a racing matter.
    (c) A Covered Person or any officer, employee or agent of a Covered 
Person shall not hinder a person who is conducting an investigation 
under or attempting to enforce or administer any provision of 15 U.S.C. 
57A or the regulations of the Authority.
    (d) The Commission or the Authority may issue subpoenas for the 
attendance of witnesses in proceedings within their jurisdiction and 
for the production of documents, records, papers, books, supplies, 
devices, equipment, and all other instrumentalities related to matters 
within the jurisdiction of the Commission or the Authority.
    (e) Failure to comply with a subpoena or with the other provisions 
of this Rule may be penalized by the imposition of one or more 
penalties set forth in Rule 8200.
    (f) The Commission or the Authority may administer oaths to 
witnesses and require witnesses to testify under oath in matters within 
the jurisdiction of the Commission or the Authority.

    By direction of the Commission.
Joel Christie,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2022-01663 Filed 1-25-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-P