HB 617

Under existing law, the Alabama Athletic Commission is responsible for regulating boxing, wrestling, and mixed martial arts pursuant to the Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act

This bill would define the term bare knuckle boxing

This bill would revise the membership of the medical advisory panel to provide for two licensed sports medicine physicians

This bill would authorize the Alabama Athletic Commission to regulate professional bare knuckle boxing in the same manner as boxing and mixed martial arts

This bill would provide further for the drug testing of competitors

This bill would authorize the commission to issue a temporary license to any applicant who applies for a license less than 30 days before participating in a scheduled, sanctioned event

Amendment 621 of the Constitution of Alabama 1901 prohibits a general law whose purpose or effect would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds from becoming effective with regard to a local governmental entity without enactment by a 2/3 vote unless: it comes within one of a number of specified exceptions; it is approved by the affected entity; or the Legislature appropriates funds, or provides a local source of revenue, to the entity for the purpose

The purpose or effect of this general law would be to require a new or increased expenditure of local funds within the meaning of Amendment 621

If this bill is not enacted by a 2/3 vote, it will not become effective with regard to a local entity unless approved by the local entity or until, and only as long as, the Legislature appropriates funds or provides for a local source of revenue

To amend Sections 41-9-1021, 41-9-1023, 41-9-1024, 41-9-1027, 41-9-1028, 41-9-1029, 41-9-1030, 41-9-1031, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, 41-9-1036, 41-9-1037, and 41-9-1038 of the Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the Alabama Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts Act and the Alabama Athletic Commission; to define the term professional bare knuckle boxing; to revise the membership of the medical advisory panel; to authorize the Alabama Athletic Commission to regulate professional bare knuckle boxing in the same manner as boxing and mixed martial arts; to provide further for the drug testing of competitors; to authorize the commission to issue a temporary license to any applicant who applies for a license less than 30 days before participating in a scheduled, sanctioned event; and in connection therewith would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds.

Section 1

Sections 41-9-1021, 41-9-1023, 41-9-1024, 41-9-1027, 41-9-1028, 41-9-1029, 41-9-1030, 41-9-1031, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, 41-9-1036, 41-9-1037, and 41-9-1038 of the Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:

§41-9-1021.

As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) AMATEUR. A person An individual who engages in a match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, tough man contests, wrestling, or mixed martial arts, for no compensation or thing of value for participating, which is governed or authorized by any of the following:

a. U.S.A. Boxing.

b. The Alabama High School Athletic Association.

c. The National Collegiate Athletic Association.

d. Amateur Athletic Union.

e. Golden Gloves.

f. The local affiliate of any organization listed in this subdivision.

g. USA Wrestling.

h. The National Junior College Athletic Association.

i. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

j. The National Collegiate Wrestling Association.

k. Any organization licensed by the commission.

(2) BARE KNUCKLE BOXING. The original form of boxing, involving two individuals fighting without boxing gloves or other padding on their hands.

(2)(3) BOXING MATCH. A contest between two individuals in which contestants score points in rounds of two or three minutes by striking with gloved fists the head and upper torso of the opponent or by knocking the opponent down and rendering the opponent unconscious or incapable of continuing the contest by the blows, which contest is held in a square ring supervised by a referee and scored by three judges.

(3)(4) BOXING REGISTRY. A registry created or designated pursuant to subsection (k) of Section 41-9-1024.

(4)(5) CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION. An entity described by either of the following:

a. Section 501(c)(3), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3)).

b. Section 170(c), Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. Section 170(c)).

(5)(6) COMMISSION. The Alabama Athletic Commission.

(6)(7) EXHIBITION. A contest where the participants engage in the use of boxing skills and techniques, bare knuckle skills and techniques, tough man skills and techniques, wrestling skills and techniques, or mixed martial arts skills and techniques, or any or all of these, and where the objective is to display the skills and techniques without striving to win.

(7)(8) FACE VALUE. The dollar value of a ticket or order shall reflect the dollar amount that the customer shall pay in order to view the match, contest, exhibition, or entertainment event. Face value shall include any charges or fees, such as dinner, gratuity, parking, surcharges, or any other charges or fees which are charged to and must be paid by the customer in order to view the match, contest, exhibition, or entertainment event. It shall exclude any portion paid by the customer for federal, state, or local taxes.

(8)(9) GROSS RECEIPTS. Any of the following:

a. The gross price charged for the sale or lease of broadcasting, television, closed circuit, or motion picture rights without any deductions for commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, production fees, advertising, or other expenses or charges.

b. The face value of all tickets sold.

(9)(10) MANAGER. A person An individual who, under contract, agreement, or other arrangement with a boxer, bare knuckle boxer, or a mixed martial arts competitor, undertakes to control or administer, directly or indirectly, a matter on behalf of a boxer or a mixed martial arts competitor. The term includes, but is not limited to, a person who functions as a booking agent, adviser, or consultant.

(10)(11) MATCHMAKER. A person who is employed by or associated with a promoter in the capacity of booking and arranging professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, or mixed martial arts between opponents or who proposes professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, or mixed martial arts and selects and arranges for the participants in such events and for whose activities in this regard the promoter is legally responsible.

(11)(12) MIXED MARTIAL ARTS. Unarmed combat involving the use of any combination of techniques from different disciplines of the martial arts, including, without limitation, grappling, submission holds, throws, and striking or kicking with the hands, feet, knees, or elbows. The term mixed martial arts includes kickboxing.

(12)(13) PERSON. An individual, partnership, firm, association, corporation, or combination of individuals of whatever form or character.

(13)(14) PHYSICIAN. A doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine in the State of Alabama.

(14)(15) PROFESSIONAL. A person who is participating or has participated in a match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts which is not governed or authorized by one or more of the organizations listed in subdivision (1) and any of the following:

a. Has received or competed for or is receiving or competing for any cash as a salary, purse, or prize for participating in any match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts.

b. Is participating or has participated in any match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts to which admission is granted upon payment of any ticket for admission or other evidence of the right of entry.

c. Is participating or has participated in any match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts which is or was filmed, broadcast, or transmitted for viewing.

d. Is participating or has participated in any match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts which provides a commercial advantage by attracting persons to a particular place or promoting a commercial product or enterprise.

(15)(16) PROFESSIONAL MATCH OF BOXING, BARE KNUCKLE BOXING, WRESTLING, or MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.

a. A boxing match, contest, or exhibition; a bare knuckle boxing match, contest, or exhibition; a wrestling match; or a mixed martial arts match, contest, or exhibition, which is not governed or authorized by one or more of the organizations listed in subdivision (1) and which does any of the following:

1. Rewards a boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor participating with cash as a salary, purse, or prize for such participation.

2. Requires for admission payment of a ticket or other evidence of the right of entry.

3. Is filmed, broadcast, or transmitted for viewing.

4. Provides a commercial advantage by attracting persons to a particular place or promoting a commercial product or enterprise.

b. The term does not include unarmed combat.

(16)(17) PROFESSIONAL WRESTLING. Any organized event between two unarmed contestants in which participants compete primarily for the purpose of providing entertainment to spectators that may or may not comprise a bona fide athletic contest or competition.

(17)(18) PROMOTER. The person primarily responsible for organizing, promoting, and producing a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, or mixed martial arts and who is legally responsible for the lawful conduct of such professional match, contest, or exhibition.

(18)(19) PURSE or RING EARNINGS. The financial guarantee or any other remuneration, or part thereof, which a professional boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor participating in a match, contest, or exhibition will receive and includes any share of any payment received for radio broadcasting, television, or motion picture rights.

(19)(20) TOUGH MAN CONTEST. A boxing match and tournament where each contestant wears headgear and oversized gloves. A contestant in a tough man contest is not an amateur or a professional and cash prizes may be awarded.

(20)(21) UNARMED COMBAT.

a. Any form of competition between human beings in which both of the following occurs:

1. One or more blows are struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury on a human being.

2. There is some compensation or commercial benefit arising from such competition, whether in the form of cash or non-cash payment to the competitors or the person arranging the competition; the sale of the right to film, broadcast, transmit, or view the competition; or the use of the competition to attract persons to a particular location for some commercial advantage or to promote a commercial product or commercial enterprise.

b. Unarmed combat does not include any of the following:

1. Professional boxing.

2. Professional wrestling.

3. Amateur boxing.

4. Amateur wrestling.

5. Any competition displaying the skills of a single form of a system of unarmed self-defense, including, but not limited to, kickboxing, karate, or full-contact karate, which is held pursuant to the rules of that form and governed or authorized by a nationally recognized organization.

6. Professional mixed martial arts.

7. Amateur mixed martial arts.

8. Tough man contests.

9. Professional wrestling.

10. Bare knuckle boxing.

§41-9-1023.

(a) There is created the Alabama Athletic Commission composed of six members.

(b)(1) The membership of the commission shall be inclusive and reflect the racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity of the state. The six initial members shall be as follows:

a. Two members appointed by the Governor.

b. One member appointed by the Alabama Athlete Agents Commission.

c. One member appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

d. One member appointed by the President of the Senate.

e. One member appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.

(2) Initial appointments by the Governor shall be for one and three years, the initial appointment by the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall be for four years, the initial appointment of the President of the Senate shall be for two years, and the initial appointment of the President Pro Tempore of the Senate shall be for one year. The initial appointment by the commission shall be for four years. All subsequent appointments shall be for terms of four years. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms under the same procedures and requirements as appointments for full terms. Each member of the commission shall be a citizen of this state and no two members shall be from the same congressional district at the time of appointment.

(c) The commission shall elect a chair from among its membership for a term of one year. While serving as chair, a member may not vote on any matter coming before the commission. The commission may elect a vice chair from its membership for a term of one year. Any member serving as chair shall be eligible for successive election to the office by the commission. The chair may designate another member of the commission to perform the duties of chair in his or her absence. The commission may employ an executive director to manage the day-to-day operations of the commission within the available funds of the commission.

(d) A medical advisory panel of the commission shall be appointed by the Governor and shall consist of four persons licensed to practice medicine in this state, with one member each representing the specialties of neurology, ophthalmology, sports medicine, and general medicine and two members representing the specialty of sports medicine. The medical advisory panel shall advise and assist the commission and its staff regarding issues and questions concerning the medical safety of professional boxers, bare knuckle boxers, tough man contestants, professional wrestlers, amateur mixed martial arts competitors, and professional mixed martial arts competitors including, but not limited to, matters relating to medical suspensions. The medical advisory panel may meet separately from the commission to discuss and formulate recommendations for the commission in connection with medical safety. Members of the medical advisory panel shall not be counted in determining a quorum of the commission and shall not vote as commission members.

(e) Each member of the commission and the medical advisory panel shall be reimbursed for expenses and travel as provided for public officials of this state.

§41-9-1024.

(a)(1) The commission shall be the sole regulator of professional boxing in this state and shall have authority to protect the physical safety and welfare of professional boxers and serve the public interest by closely supervising all professional boxing in this state.

(2) The commission shall be the sole regulator of professional and amateur matches, contests, or exhibitions of mixed martial arts and shall have the authority to protect the physical safety and welfare of professional competitors in mixed martial arts and serve the public interest by closely supervising all competitors in mixed martial arts. The commission shall regulate professional and amateur mixed martial arts to the same extent as professional boxing unless any rule of the commission is not by its nature applicable to mixed martial arts.

(3) Commencing on May 22, 2013, the The commission shall be the sole regulator of professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of wrestling and shall have the authority to protect the physical safety and welfare of professional competitors in professional wrestling and serve the public interest by closely supervising all competitors in professional wrestling. The commission shall regulate professional wrestling to the same extent as professional boxing unless any rule of the commission is not by its nature applicable to professional wrestling.

(4) The commission shall have the sole authority to license a wrestling sanctioning organization to safeguard the public health, to protect competitors, and to provide for competitive matches by requiring each licensed organization to abide by rules promulgated by the commission. The commission, at the request of a licensed sanctioning organization, may provide direct oversight of any event sanctioned by the organization for a fee negotiated between the commission and the licensed sanctioning organization.

(5) The commission shall have the sole authority to license the promoters of tough man contests to safeguard the public health, to protect competitors, and to provide for competitive matches by requiring each licensed promoter to abide by rules promulgated by the commission. The commission, at the request of a promoter, may provide direct oversight of any tough man match for a fee negotiated between the commission and the promoter.

(6) The commission shall be the sole regulator of professional bare knuckle boxing matches, contests, or exhibitions of bare knuckle boxing and shall have the authority to protect the physical safety and welfare of professional competitors in bare knuckle boxing and serve the public interest by closely supervising all competitors in bare knuckle boxing. The commission shall regulate professional bare knuckle boxing to the same extent as professional boxing unless any rule of the commission is not by its nature applicable to bare knuckle boxing.

(b) The commission shall have the sole jurisdiction to license the promotion or holding of each match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts promoted or held within this state.

(c) The commission shall have the authority to license participants in any match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts held in this state.

(d) The commission shall have the authority to direct, manage, control, and supervise all matches, contests, or exhibitions of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts including, but not limited to, the authority to enforce safety measures and restrict access to certain areas for the protection of the public and participants. The commission may adopt bylaws for its own management and promulgate and enforce rules and regulations consistent with this article.

(e) The commission shall have the sole authority to inquire into the plans or arrangements for compliance of a licensed organization with rules promulgated by the commission. The commission may require a wrestling sanctioning organization to pay an annual licensure fee and any other fee determined necessary by the board and may penalize any organization for violation of this article or any rule promulgated by the commission pursuant to this article.

(f) The commission may appoint one or more inspectors as duly authorized representatives of the commission to ensure that the rules are strictly observed. The inspectors shall be present at all professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts.

(g) The commission may designate physicians as duly authorized representatives of the commission to conduct physical examinations of boxers, bare knuckle boxers, or mixed martial arts competitors licensed under this article and shall designate a roster of physicians authorized to conduct prefight physicals and serve as ringside physicians in all professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man, or mixed martial arts matches held in this state.

(h)(1) The commission or any agent duly designated by the commission may do any of the following:

a. Make investigations.

b. Hold hearings.

c. Issue subpoenas to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, and records.

d. Administer oaths to and examine any witnesses for the purpose of determining any question coming before it under this article or under the rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this article.

e. Swear out a warrant of arrest against any person violating the criminal provisions of this article, and the commission shall not be liable in damages or to any action for damages by reason of swearing out a warrant or for causing the arrest and detention or imprisonment of any person under such warrant, unless the commission or agent fails to act in a reasonably prudent manner.

(2) During an investigation of any allegation which, if proven, would result in criminal or civil sanctions as provided in this article, the commission may withhold all or a portion of the gross receipts to which the person under investigation is entitled until such time as the matter has been resolved.

(i) The commission may engage in activities which promote amateur boxing, amateur wrestling, and amateur mixed martial arts in this state and contract with any nonprofit organization which is exempted from the taxation of income. To support amateur boxing, amateur wrestling, and amateur mixed martial arts in this state, the commission may promote voluntary contributions through the application process or through any fund-raising or other promotional technique deemed appropriate by the commission.

(j) Pursuant to 15 U.S.C. Section 6301, et seq., the commission may issue to each boxer who is a resident of this state an identification card bearing the photograph of the boxer and in such form and containing such information as the commission deems necessary and appropriate. The commission shall ensure that the form and manner of issuance of the identification cards comply with any applicable federal law or regulation. The commission may charge an amount not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100) per card for the issuance or replacement of each identification card.

(k) The commission may create a boxing registry or designate a nationally recognized boxing registry and register each boxer who is a resident of this state or who is a resident of another state which has no boxing registry.

(l) The commission may inquire into the financial backing of any professional match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts and obtain answers to written or oral questions propounded to all persons associated with the professional event.

(m) The commission, pursuant to rule, may license any concessionaire, ring announcer, photographer, or other person receiving any portion of the gate proceeds from a match, contest, or exhibition held in the state pursuant to this article.

§41-9-1027.

(a) The commission shall adopt rules and regulations governing professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, amateur mixed martial arts, and professional mixed martial arts to establish the following:

(1) Procedures to evaluate the professional records and physician certifications of each boxer participating participant in a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, amateur mixed martial arts, and professional mixed martial arts and to deny authorization for a professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor to fight where appropriate.

(2) Procedures to ensure that, except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of Section 41-9-1032, no professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor shall be permitted to participate while under suspension from any state boxing or athletic commission because of any of the following:

a. A recent knockout, technical knockout, or series of consecutive losses.

b. An injury, requirement for a medical procedure, or physician's denial of certification.

c. Failure of a drug test.

d. The use of false aliases or falsifying official identification cards or document.

e. Other reasons as determined by the commission.

(3) Procedures to report to the boxing registry the results of all professional matches, contests, or exhibitions of boxing held in this state or being supervised by the commission and any related suspensions.

(b)(1) Drug tests, as provided in paragraph c. of subdivision (2) of subsection (a), shall be conducted in accordance with the most recent list of prohibited substances and pursuant to the methods outlined by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Drug tests shall include both in-competition testing and out-of-competition testing, as applicable.

(2) To affirm or disprove the presence of a prohibited substance detected in the primary specimen sample, a competitor who is accused of violating the drug testing policy shall be given the option of having a secondary specimen sample, collected at the same time as the primary specimen sample, if available, tested.

(3) A violation of the drug testing policy shall constitute a civil violation punishable pursuant to guidelines provided in Section 41-9-1034, by a suspension of licensure and a civil fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000), together with a percentage of the purse not to exceed 15 percent, for each violation.

(4) The Administrative Procedure Act shall govern all matters and procedures respecting the hearing and judicial overview of any contested case.

§41-9-1028.

A member or employee of the commission and any person who administers or enforces this article or rules promulgated adopted in accordance with this article shall not be a member of, contract with, or receive any compensation from any person or organization who authorizes, arranges, or promotes matches, contests, or exhibitions of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts or who otherwise has a financial interest in any activity or licensee regulated by the commission. The term compensation does not include funds held in escrow for payment to another person in connection with a professional match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts.

§41-9-1029.

(a)(1) No person shall promote or hold a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts within this state without first applying for and obtaining a promoter's license from the commission.

(2) Licenses shall be issued annually and shall expire on December 31 of each calendar year.

(b) Promoters shall apply to the commission for a license required by subsection (a) on a form provided by the commission. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The application shall also be accompanied by a performance bond in an amount and under any conditions required by the commission.

(c)(1) In addition to the license required by subsection (a), a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts within this state shall not be staged unless a match permit has been issued by the commission for the match, contest, or exhibition.

(2) Each application for a match permit shall be on a form provided by the commission and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable application fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The commission may charge an additional match fee in accordance with rules and regulations promulgated adopted by the commission.

(d) The commission, prior to issuing any match permit, may require a performance bond in addition to that required in subsection (b).

(e) The commission may refund any portion of the match permit fee in excess of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) to any person who paid the excess fee if the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts for which the fees were paid is not held.

(f) The commission shall have the sole authority to certify the results of each amateur mixed martial arts match, contest, or exhibition held within the state.

§41-9-1030.

(a) Prior to participating in a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts supervised by the commission, referees, judges, timekeepers, matchmakers, boxers, bare knuckle boxers, wrestlers, mixed martial arts competitors, managers, trainers, and each person who assists a boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor immediately before and after a match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts and between rounds during a match, contest, or exhibition of boxing, bare knuckle boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts shall be required by the commission to apply for and be issued a license. Licenses shall be issued annually and shall expire on December 31 of each calendar year. Each applicant shall make application on a form provided by the commission and pay an annual license fee not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250). The commission may issue a temporary license to any applicant who applies for a license less than 30 days before participating in a scheduled, sanctioned event.

(b) The nonrefundable initial licensing fee and annual renewal fee for a professional wrestling sanctioning organization may not exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(c) The commission shall issue a license under this section only if:

(1) The commission has determined to the best of its ability that the applicant has the training or skills necessary to perform in a manner appropriate to the license.

(2) The applicant has complied with all applicable requirements of this article and any rules and regulations promulgated adopted pursuant to this article.

(3) The commission or its designated representative has determined from information provided by the applicant and from any medical evaluation required by the commission that the health, welfare, and physical safety of the applicant will not be unduly jeopardized by the issuance of the license.

(4) The applicant is a citizen of the United States or, if not a citizen of the United States, a person who is legally present in the United States with appropriate documentation from the federal government.

§41-9-1031.

(a) In addition to the license required in Section 41-9-1030, each professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor who is a resident of this state or another state which has no state boxing or athletic commission shall register with a boxing, bare knuckle boxing, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts registry created or designated by the commission and renew his or her registration as prescribed by rules of the commission.

(b) At the time of registration and renewal, the boxer, bare knuckle boxer, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor shall provide the registry with a recent photograph of the licensee and the Social Security number of the licensee or, in the case of a foreign licensee, any similar citizen identification number or licensee number from the country of residence of the licensee, along with any other information the commission requires. The registries shall issue a personal identification number to each licensee and the number shall appear on the identification card issued to the licensee as a result of registration. Each licensee shall present to the commission an identification card issued by the state in which he or she resides not later than the time of the weigh-in for a match, contest, or exhibition.

(c) The commission may charge a registration fee in an amount calculated to cover the administrative expense of the registration.

§41-9-1032.

(a) The commission may refuse to grant a license to an applicant upon a finding by a majority of the entire commission that the applicant has failed to demonstrate the qualifications or standards for a license contained in this section or under the laws, and rules, and regulations under which licensure is sought. The applicant shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she meets all the requirements for the issuance of a license, and, if the commission is not satisfied as to the qualifications of the applicant, it may deny a license without a prior hearing; however, the applicant shall be allowed to appear before the commission if he or she so desires.

(b)(1) The commission, by majority vote, after prior notice to the holder of a license and after affording such a holder an opportunity to be heard, may fine the license holder, revoke or suspend the license, or take other disciplinary action against the licensee upon the recommendation of any officially designated representative for reasons involving the medical or physical safety of any professional boxer, tough man contestant, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor licensed by the commission, summarily suspend any license previously issued by the commission, or take other disciplinary action against any licensee. The licensee shall, after the summary suspension, be afforded an opportunity to be heard, in accordance with the rules of the commission and the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. A summary suspension imposed against such a licensee may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

a. Prohibiting any professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor from competing, appearing in, or participating in any match, contest, or exhibition within 60 days of having suffered a knockout.

b. Prohibiting any professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor, from competing, appearing in, or participating in any match, contest, or exhibition within 30 days of having suffered a technical knockout where evidence of head trauma has been determined by the attending ringside physician.

(2) The length of any summary suspension invoked pursuant to this subsection, upon the recommendation of the ringside physician, may be extended to any number of days. The terms and conditions of the suspension or revocation may require that the boxer submit to further medical evaluation as determined by the ringside physician.

(c) The commission, its executive director, or its duly authorized representative, at any time prior to the completion of a permitted match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, a tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts, may summarily suspend or revoke the match permit or the license of any specific boxer, bare knuckle boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor should it be determined by such person that the continuation of the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts may jeopardize the health, welfare, morals, or safety of the citizens of this state or may jeopardize the health or personal safety of any participant of the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts; provided, however, that the licensee, after a summary suspension, shall be afforded an opportunity to be heard, in accordance with the rules of the commission and the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.

(d) The commission may revoke a suspension of a professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor if any of the following applies:

(1) The professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor was suspended pursuant to rules and regulations adopted pursuant to Section 41-9-1027 and has furnished proof of a sufficiently improved medical or physical condition.

(2) The professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, professional wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor furnishes proof that a suspension pursuant to Section 41-9-1027 was not or is no longer merited by the facts.

§41-9-1033.

No person shall arrange, promote, organize, produce, or participate in a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts unless he or she has complied with the following requirements:

(1) An examination by a physician who has certified that the boxer, bare knuckle boxer, or mixed martial arts competitor is physically fit to compete safely. Copies of each certificate shall be provided to the commission prior to the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts. The commission may require a boxer, bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, wrestler, or mixed martial arts competitor to undergo a physical examination, including neurological or neuropsychological tests and procedures.

(2) A physician approved by the commission shall be continuously present at ringside during every match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts. The physician shall observe the physical condition of the boxers, bare knuckle boxers, tough man contestants, wrestlers, or competitors in mixed martial arts and advise the referee with regard to the boxers, bare knuckle boxers, tough man contestants, wrestlers, or competitors.

(3) One or more inspectors appointed by the commission as duly authorized representatives of the commission shall be present at each match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts to ensure that the rules are strictly observed. An inspector or other duly authorized representative of the commission shall be present at the weigh-in and at the ring during the conduct of the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts. Inspectors and other duly authorized representatives of the commission shall have free access to the dressing rooms of the professional boxers, professional bare knuckle boxers, tough man contestants, and mixed martial arts competitors.

(4) Each boxer, bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, wrestler, or competitor in mixed martial arts shall be covered by health insurance which will cover injuries sustained during the match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts.

(5) An ambulance and medical personnel with appropriate resuscitation equipment shall be continuously present at the site during any match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts.

§41-9-1034.

It shall be unlawful for any professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional competitor in mixed martial arts to participate or attempt to participate in a match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts while under the influence of alcohol or any drug. A professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor shall be deemed under the influence of alcohol or a drug for the purposes of this section if a physical examination made during a period of time beginning not more than six hours prior to the beginning of the match, contest, or exhibition and ending not more than one hour after the completion of the match, contest, or exhibition reveals that the mental or physical ability of the professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional mixed martial arts competitor is impaired as a direct result of the use of alcohol or a drug.

§41-9-1035.

All buildings or structures used or intended to be used for holding or giving matches, contests, or exhibitions of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts shall be safe and shall in all manner conform to the laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to buildings in the municipality or unincorporated area of the county where the building or structure is situated.

§41-9-1036.

No person under the age of 18 years shall participate as a contestant in any match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contest, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts.

§41-9-1037.

The commission shall have jurisdiction over any match, contest, or exhibition of professional boxing, professional bare knuckle boxing, tough man contests, professional wrestling, amateur mixed martial arts, or professional mixed martial arts which occurs or is held within this state, is filmed in this state, or is broadcast or transmitted from this state.

§41-9-1038.

(a) The Attorney General may bring a civil action requesting relief, including a permanent or temporary injunction, restraining order, or other order, against any person who he or she believes is violating Sections 41-9-1029, 41-9-1030, 41-9-1031, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, and 41-9-1037.

(b)(1) Any manager, promoter, matchmaker, or licensee who knowingly violates or coerces or causes any other person to violate Sections 41-9-1030, 41-9-1031, 41-9-1032, 41-9-1033, 41-9-1034, 41-9-1035, 41-9-1036, and 41-9-1037 shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class C felony.

(2) Any member or employee of the commission or any person who administers or enforces this article or rules and regulations promulgated adopted pursuant to this article who knowingly violates Sections 41-9-1033 or 41-9-1034 shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class C felony.

(3) Any professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional competitor in mixed martial arts who knowingly violates this article, except Section 41-9-1034, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.

(4) Any professional boxer, professional bare knuckle boxer, tough man contestant, professional wrestler, amateur mixed martial arts competitor, or professional competitor in mixed martial arts who violates Section 41-9-1034 may be punished by a civil fine not to exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) together with a percentage of the purse not to exceed 15 percent for each violation.

(c) A person who participates in or promotes unarmed combat shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(d) The criminal penalties in this section shall not be construed to repeal other criminal laws. Whenever conduct prescribed by this article is also prescribed by other provision of law, the provision which carries the more serious penalty shall be applied."

Section 2

Although this bill would have as its purpose or effect the requirement of a new or increased expenditure of local funds, the bill is excluded from further requirements and application under Amendment 621, now appearing as Section 111.05 of the Official Recompilation of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, because the bill defines a new crime or amends the definition of an existing crime.

Section 3

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.