Section 19517.5.

(a) The respondent in an enforcement proceeding that alleges the use of a prohibited substance, as defined under class I, class II, or class III of the board's schedule of prohibited substances, may elect to have the proceeding referred, for administrative adjudication and preparation of a proposed decision for action by the board, to either a Board of Stewards or a hearing officer appointed by the board. The board shall select the hearing officer from a pool jointly developed by a representative from each of the following organizations:

(1) The board.

(2) A racing association.

(3) The trainers' organization.

(4) The horse owners' organization.

(b) The hearing before a duly appointed hearing officer or Board of Stewards shall commence no later than 90 days after the filing of the accusation. The hearing date may be extended only upon a showing of good cause to the earliest possible hearing date beyond the 90-day period, provided a written order and the reasons for the continuance are filed with the board.

(c) No later than 20 days before the hearing, the licensee shall post a bond with the paymaster of purses for the amount of the purse or purses in question and received by the licensee. The bond shall be in cash, or a surety bond that meets the requirements of the board.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 417, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2008.)