SB396 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Alabama Athletic Commission, regulation of bare knuckle boxing added, membership of medical advisory panel revised, drug testing of competitors expanded, temporary license provided, Secs. 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, 41-9-1038 am'd.

Summary

SB 396 expands regulation to professional bare knuckle boxing, updates medical oversight, broadens drug testing, and adds a temporary licensing option and licensing/registration requirements under the Alabama Athletic Commission.

What This Bill Does

It designates professional bare knuckle boxing as regulated by the Alabama Athletic Commission and requires the commission to regulate it similarly to boxing and MMA. It revises the medical advisory panel composition to include specific medical specialties and allows the panel to meet separately to advise on fighter safety. It expands drug testing to follow World Anti-Doping Agency guidelines, including in- and out-of-competition testing, with penalties such as fines and purse deductions for violations. It allows the commission to issue temporary licenses to applicants who apply less than 30 days before a scheduled event and establishes licensing, permit, and registration processes for promoters and competitors.

Who It Affects

• Bare knuckle boxers and other combat sports participants would be subject to licensing, registration, medical examinations, drug testing, and potential suspensions or fines for violations.
• Promoters and event organizers would need promoter licenses and match permits, pay applicable fees, possibly post performance bonds, and comply with safety and oversight rules.

Key Provisions

• Defines professional bare knuckle boxing and places it under the Alabama Athletic Commission’s regulation, to be enforced with safety oversight.
• The commission becomes the sole regulator of professional bare knuckle boxing and must regulate it to the same extent as boxing and mixed martial arts.
• Creates a medical advisory panel appointed by the Governor, consisting of six physicians with specified specialties (neurology, ophthalmology, sports medicine, general medicine, and two additional sports medicine specialists) to advise on medical safety; panel members do not count toward commission quorum or voting.
• Drug testing for competitors must follow the latest prohibited substances list per the World Anti-Doping Agency and include in- and out-of-competition testing, with civil fines up to $25,000 and up to 15% of purse for each violation.
• Authorizes the commission to issue temporary licenses for applicants who apply less than 30 days before a scheduled event.
• Promoters must obtain licenses and match permits; licenses and match-related fees (up to $250) and potential performance bonds are specified; registration requirements for participants are established.
• The commission may require medical staff at events (including a physician ringside, on-site ambulance, and health insurance for participants) and may enforce other safety provisions.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Athletic Commission