Former Commission Members

In the Texas Racing Act as enacted in 1986, the Commission was divided into two sections - a horse racing section and a greyhound racing section. Three of the members appointed by the governor were required to have special knowledge or experience relating to horse racing. The other three members appointed by the governor were required to have special knowledge or experience relating to greyhound racing. The horse racing section, composed of the three horse racing members and the two ex-officio members, had exclusive jurisdiction on matters relating solely to horse racing. Similarly, the greyhound racing section, composed of the three greyhound racing members and the two ex-officio members, had exclusive jurisdiction on matters relating solely to greyhound racing. On matters relating to both horse and greyhound racing, such as the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering, all of the commissioners acted as a single body.

In 1997, the Legislature modified the composition of the Commission through the sunset process and eliminated the two sections.