Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes the practice of mixed martial arts.

Highlights:

• Authorizes “mixed martial arts” competitions to be conducted under the regulation of the State Athletic Commission (Sec. 1).

• Defines “mixed martial arts” as any professional combative sport where the contestants deliver kicks, punches or blows to the body of an opponent, which include, but are not limited to, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, and the various forms of karate (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the commission to approve licenses for such competitions if a participant is at least 18 years of age and spectators are at least 16 years of age or accompanied by a guardian (Sec. 1).

• Requires a written application and a fee of $500 to be submitted to the commission to apply for such license (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the commission to issue temporary working permits to professional combative sports participants, their managers, trainers, and chief seconds to permit engagement in a single match or exhibition at a specified time and place (Sec. 1).

• Requires any professional combative sports participant applying for a license or renewal of a license to undergo a comprehensive physical examination, including clinical neurological and neuropsychological examinations by a physician approved by the commission (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits the commission from issuing a license to an individual whose physical examination indicated any prior brain injury thus requiring further examinations by a neurologist (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a professional combative sports participant from competing or appearing in a professional match within 90 days of having suffered a knockout, or technical knockout, in any match, or being rendered unconscious, without clearance from the established medical advisory board (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits a combative sports match or exhibition from exceeding 3 rounds during regular matches or 5 rounds in championship matches (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from participating in more than 3 matches or compete for more than 1 hour within any 72-hour time period (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text