HB 1435 -- Combative Sports

Sponsor:  Skaggs

This bill revises the law on combative sporting events.  The
bill:

(1)  Defines the following new terms:  announcer, inspector,
judge, manager, martial arts, matchmaker, officials, permit,
physician, promoter, purse, referee, second, and timekeeper;

(2)  Removes the 5% tax assessed on gross receipts derived from
the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, closed-circuit
telecast, and motion picture rights of any professional boxing,
wrestling, kickboxing, or full-contact karate;

(3)  Requires pay-per-view operators of tough-man bouts to file
a report with the Office of Athletics stating the number of
orders sold and the price per order;

(4)  Lowers the number of rounds per event in professional
boxing, kickboxing, or full-contact karate from 15 rounds of 3
minutes to 12 rounds.  Women competing in these events will be
limited to 10 rounds of 2 minutes; and

(5)  Requires an ambulance and crew to be on site continuously
during these events.  The promoter of such events will be
required to maintain health and life insurance in the amount of
$25,000 for each participant.

Applicants for licensure to participate in professional boxing,
kickboxing, and full-contact karate are required to provide the
Office of Athletics documentary evidence that no later than 30
days prior to application they have tested negative for HIV and
hepatitis B and also had normal MRI or CAT scans within the same
time period.  All licensees must complete an MRI or CAT scan
every 2 years to maintain a license.  At any time the office may
require contestants to submit to medical tests to determine
their fitness to participate in such events.  Prior to all
events, contestants must pass a comprehensive physical exam
given by a physician designated by the Office of Athletics.