HB457 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Terry Spicer

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Spencer CollierRobert BentleyGerald H. AllenCraig FordJohnny Mack MorrowJames C. FieldsWilliam E. ThigpenKen GuinMarcel BlackJody LetsonMike CurtisChris EnglandEarl F. HilliardJohn W. Rogers

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Boxing Commission, name changed to Athletic Commission, mixed martial arts, authorized and regulated, definitions, commission authorized to employ executive director, penalties, Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Act, Act 2009-622, 2009 Reg. Sess. am'd.; Secs. 41-9-1020, 41-9-1021, 41-9-1023, 41-9-1024, 41-9-1028, 41-9-1029, 41-9-1030, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, 41-9-1036, 41-9-1037, 41-9-1038, 41-9-1039, 41-9-1040 am'd.

Summary

HB457 renames the Alabama Boxing Commission to the Alabama Boxing Athletic Commission, defines mixed martial arts, and creates a framework to regulate MMA and boxing alike.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines mixed martial arts for regulatory purposes and authorizes the commission to regulate MMA in the same way as boxing. It creates a five-member Alabama Boxing Athletic Commission with medical oversight, sets licensing, permitting, bonding, and fee requirements, and imposes safety rules (ringside physicians, pre-fight exams, health insurance, ambulances). It also establishes penalties for violations, creates a dedicated state fund for the commission, and includes sunset provisions as required by state law.

Who It Affects

• Boxers and mixed martial arts competitors: must be licensed, medically cleared, insured, and subject to safety and medical rules.
• Promoters, matchmakers, managers, and licensees: must obtain promoter licenses, match permits, post bonds, pay fees, and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Commission staff, inspectors, and medical professionals: involved in licensing, oversight, and enforcement of safety standards.
• Local governments and taxpayers: the bill references local expenditure rules and includes funding mechanisms through the commission's dedicated fund.

Key Provisions

• The Alabama Boxing Commission is renamed the Alabama Boxing Athletic Commission and MMA is defined and regulated similarly to boxing.
• A five-member Commission is established with specified appointment methods and terms, plus a medical advisory panel to address medical safety.
• Regulatory framework includes promoter licenses, match permits, annual licenses for participants, performance bonds, inspections, ringside physicians, pre-fight medical examinations, health insurance requirements for boxers and MMA competitors, and ambulance presence at events.
• Penalties include criminal and civil sanctions for violations, with summary suspensions and potential license revocation; professional participants face defined misdemeanor or felony penalties depending on the violation, and fines up to $25,000 plus a percentage of purse.
• A dedicated Alabama Boxing Athletic Commission Fund is created to handle revenues and expenditures for the commission, with funds disbursed by the state Comptroller on approved vouchers.
• Sunset provisions require the commission to be reviewed under the Alabama Sunset Law, with a termination date set and periodic renewal to continue operations.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Boxing Commission