Regulation of unarmed combat sports. (FE)

What it would have done

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Current law contains numerous provisions regulating professional boxing and amateur and professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting contests and exhibitions. These provisions require licensure of promoters and clubs where contests and exhibitions are held; permits for boxing and MMA fighting contests; and licenses for matchmakers, managers, referees, boxers, mixed martial arts fighters, and seconds. They also contain other requirements that apply specifically to either boxing or MMA contests or exhibitions. With respect to MMA fighting contests, the requirements of the law include 1) that contestants be covered by adequate health insurance; 2) that licensed referees and judges be present at MMA contests; and 3) that a physician be present at each match and that emergency medical services personnel be present. These provisions regulating professional boxing and amateur and professional MMA fighting contests and exhibitions are enforced and administered by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, which has promulgated more detailed rules to implement them.

This bill generally substitutes "unarmed combat sports" for "mixed martial arts fighting" in these provisions so that all unarmed combat sports—including wrestling, kickboxing, karate, mixed martial arts, and any other form of unarmed combat—are subject to the same laws that apply to amateur and professional MMA fighting. The bill exempts from the law, however: 1) any karate contest, match, or exhibition in which all of the contestants are amateur participants; 2) any interscholastic or intercollegiate contest, match, or exhibition; and 3) an elementary or secondary school, college, or university karate or wrestling coach who receives compensation for teaching or coaching karate or wrestling only from the school, college, or university.

Who's behind it

12 representatives are its authors⁠. 7 are Democrats and 5 are Republicans.

4 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

What it would cost

State agencies filed a cost estimate. Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.

• AA1-AB76: Fiscal Estimate From DSPS (Supplemental)
• Fiscal Estimate From DSPS

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo