When Idaho legalized slot machine-like “instant racing” machines in 2013 to benefit the state’s horse industry, it earmarked portions of the proceeds to go to four recipients, including the Idaho Horse Council. But Sen. Jim Rice, R-Caldwell, told the Senate State Affairs Committee this morning that the 2013 legislation failed to authorize the spending of the Horse Council portion, so $143,314 has built up in its account without any authorization to spend it.

Rice proposed emergency legislation to authorize the spending of that amount for programs involving equine-related youth development, education, promotion, research and industry communications. No more money is being collected, because lawmakers last year repealed their authorization for the gambling machines. Rice’s bill, which he’s co-sponsoring with Rep. Ken Andrus, R-Lava Hot Springs, lobbyist Stan Boyd and the Idaho Horse Council, would expire on July 1, 2016, so it’s a one-time spending authorization. The Senate committee agreed to introduce the bill, clearing the way for a full hearing.