A federal bill might be filed next week that creates a three-strikes-you’re-out penalty system for anyone found guilty of racing a horse under the influence of a performance-enhancing drug.

The bill, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) and expected co-sponsor U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky), proposes to implement the tougher penalties by amending the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978, which allows the horse racing industry to conduct offtrack and Internet wagering across state lines. The following penalties are proposed:

• First violation: a fine not less than $5,000 and a suspension not less than 180 days.
• Second violation: a fine not less than $10,000 and suspension for not less than one year from all activities related to horse racing.
• Third violation: a fine not less than $20,000 and a permanent ban from all activities related to horse racing.

The suspensions proposed would also affect the horse. After the first violation, the horse would be suspended from racing for at least 180 days. The second violation would carry a one-year suspension from racing, and the third violation would result in a two-year suspension.

The bill does not state specifically who would be held responsible–the trainer, the owner, or the veterinarian–nor does bill address the different classifications of medications or the thresholds of their effectiveness