Sec. 2. (a) The commission may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to delegate to the stewards and judges of racing meetings under the jurisdiction of the commission the power to conduct disciplinary hearings on behalf of the commission. The stewards and judges shall give at least twelve (12) hours notice of any such hearing. The stewards and judges, on behalf of the commission, may impose one (1) or more of the following sanctions against a licensee who violates this article or the rules or orders of the commission:

(1) A civil penalty not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000).

(2) A temporary order or other immediate action in the nature of a summary suspension if a licensee's actions constitute an immediate danger to the public health, safety, or welfare.

(3) Suspension of a license held by the licensee for not more than one (1) year. The suspension of a license under this subdivision is:

(A) valid even though the suspension extends beyond the period of the racing meeting for which the stewards and judges have been appointed; and

(B) effective at all other racing meetings under the jurisdiction of the commission.

(4) A rule that a person must stay off the premises of one (1) or more permit holders if necessary in the public interest to maintain proper control over recognized meetings.

(5) Referral of the matter to the commission for its consideration.

However, at least two (2) of the stewards or judges at a racing meeting must concur in a suspension or civil penalty.

(b) Unless a suspension of a license or the imposition of a civil penalty under this section is appealed by the person sanctioned not more than fifteen (15) days after being sanctioned, the suspension of a license or the imposition of a civil penalty under this section must occur within one hundred eighty (180) days after the date of the violation.

(c) A suspension or civil penalty under this section may be appealed to the commission. Judges and stewards imposing sanctions under this section must prove the person's violation by a preponderance of the evidence. The commission shall adopt rules establishing procedures for appeals and stays of appeals. The commission shall conduct a hearing on an appeal filed under this section as provided in IC 4-21.5.

As added by P.L.341-1989(ss), SEC.2. Amended by P.L.24-1992, SEC.44; P.L.50-1995, SEC.11; P.L.210-2013, SEC.10.