Bill Text: WV SB644 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Clarifying authority of State Athletic Commission in regard to boxing and mixed martial arts events
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-02-18 - To Government Organization [SB644 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2019-SB644-Introduced.html
WEST virginia legislature
2019 regular session
Introduced
Senate Bill 644
By Senator Maynard
(By Request)
[Introduced February
18, 2019; Referred
to the Committee on Government Organization]
A BILL to amend and reenact §29-5A-3, §29-5A-3a, §29-5A-8, §29-5A-14, §29-5A-20, and §29-5A-24 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, all relating to the State Athletic Commission’s direction, management, and control over all boxing and mixed martial arts events, contests, and matches in West Virginia; authorizing the commission to promulgate legislative rules regulating said boxing and mixed martial arts events; authorizing the commission to issue, suspend, or revoke licenses required to promote, contend in, judge, referee, or otherwise participate in said boxing and mixed martial arts events; establishing requirements for licensure as a promoter, contestant, manager, trainer, judge, matchmaker, or official; providing restrictions and prohibitions against conflicts of interest; and authorizing rulemaking for regulating and sanctioning amateur boxing events.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 5A. STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION.
§29-5A-3. Commission to have sole control of boxing, etc., matches; licenses; municipality not to tax boxing, etc., club.
(a) The commission has sole
direction, management and control of the jurisdiction over all amateur,
professional and semiprofessional boxing, sparring matches and exhibitions, or
any form thereof, to be conducted, held or given within the state by any club,
individual, corporation or association. As used in this article, the term “boxing”
includes any fighting event that includes or permits the striking of an
opponent with a closed fist, even if wrestling moves, elements of martial arts
or striking an opponent with the feet are also permitted. No boxing, sparring
or exhibition may be conducted, held or given within the state except pursuant
to the commission's authority and held in accordance with this article. The
commission may issue and revoke the license to conduct, hold or give boxing or
sparring matches or exhibitions to any club, corporation, association or
individual. Every license is subject to rules the commission may prescribe.
Every application for a license shall be on a blank form provided by the
commission. No promoter's license may be granted to any club, corporation,
association or individual unless the signer of the application is a bona fide
resident of the state of West Virginia Upon application of the promoter's
license, the promoter shall pay a state license fee of $125 for one year. The
fee is nonrefundable and shall be paid in the form of a certified check or
money order issued to the Treasurer of the state of West Virginia to be
deposited in the fund set forth in section three-b of this article. Nonprofit
chartered and charitable organizations are exempt from this license fee for all
amateur events. No municipal corporation may impose any license tax on boxing,
sparring or exhibition clubs, notwithstanding the provisions of any section of
the code respecting municipal taxes and licenses. The granting of a license to
a club by the commission, or the holding of a license by a club, individual,
corporation or association, does not prevent the commission from canceling or
revoking the license to conduct an event as provided in this section.
(b) In exercising its
jurisdiction over professional and semiprofessional boxing, sparring matches
and exhibitions, the commission shall follow the current unified rules of
boxing adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions and requirements to
enable the proper sanctioning of all participants, referees, judges and matches
or exhibitions conducted under the rules described in subdivision (1),
subsection (c), section twenty-four of this article and shall cooperate
fully with the Association of Boxing Commissions in order that the sanctioning
be extended to state boxers. The commission shall supervise all amateur boxing
conducted in this state and any such contest shall follow the amateur rules for
boxing as recommended and adopted by the United States Amateur Boxing
Authority Association of Boxing Commissions, U.S.A. Boxing, the International
Boxing Association, or any other appropriate governing or sanctioning body
recognized and accepted by the commission. For full contact boxing events
and other boxing events that follow nontraditional rules, the commission may
impose any limitations or restrictions reasonably necessary to guarantee the
safety of the participants and the fair and honest conducting of the matches or
exhibitions and may refuse to license any event that poses an unreasonable
degree of risk to the participants.
(c) In exercising jurisdiction over professional, semiprofessional, and amateur boxing as well as any other boxing event over which the commission has jurisdiction under §29-5A-3(b) of this code, the commission may propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, to implement the provision of this section including:
(1) Procedures and requirements for the issuance and renewal of licenses;
(2) Exemptions from licensure;
(3) Procedures for fining, suspending, or revoking the license of any holder of a license issued under this article;
(4) A schedule of licensing fees;
(5) Limitations or restrictions necessary to guarantee the safety of the participants;
(6) Requirements for fair and honest conducting of contests, matches, or exhibitions; and
(7) Any other rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article.
§29-5A-3a. Power to regulate mixed martial arts.
(a) The commission has sole power, direction, management and control over all professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests, matches and exhibitions, or any form thereof, to be promoted, conducted, held or given within the state.
(b) As used in this article, the term “mixed martial arts” means a combative sporting contest, the rules of which allow two competitors to attempt to achieve dominance over one another by utilizing a variety of techniques including, but not limited to, striking, grappling and the application of submission holds.
(c) A mixed martial arts contest, match or exhibition promoted, conducted, held or given within the state shall be under the commission's authority and be in accordance with the provision of this section. The provisions of this article that apply to boxing shall also apply to mixed martial arts as appropriate.
(d) In exercising its jurisdiction over professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests matches and exhibitions, the commission shall follow the current unified rules of mixed martial arts as adopted by the Association of Boxing Commissions to enable the proper equipment, fighting area and weight classes to ensure the safety of contestants and ensure the licensing of all participants, referees and judges, and the approval of contests, matches or exhibitions conducted under the provisions of this section.
(e) The commission may issue and revoke a license to promote, conduct, hold or give mixed martial arts contests, matches or exhibitions and may issue and revoke a license to be a contestant. Each license is subject to the provisions of this section and this article and the rules of the commission.
(f) The commission shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with the provisions of article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, to implement the provisions of this section, including:
(1) Procedures and requirements for the issuance and renewal of licenses: Provided, That the procedures and requirements may not:
(A) Limit or prohibit mixed martial arts contests, matches or exhibitions; nor
(B) Include a provision that a licensee be a West Virginia resident;
(2) Exemptions from licensure;
(3) Procedures for revoking
licenses fining, suspending, or revoking the license of any holder of a
license issued under this article;
(4) Adopting the unified rules of mixed martial arts;
(5) A fee schedule A
schedule of licensing fees;
(6) Limitations or restrictions necessary to guarantee the safety of the participants;
(7) The requirements for fair and honest conducting of the contests, matches or exhibitions; and
(8) Any other rules necessary to effectuate the provisions of this section.
(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of this code to the contrary, a municipality may not impose a municipal license tax under §8-13-4 of this code on mixed martial arts clubs. The granting of a license to a club by the commission, or the holding of a license by a club, individual, corporation or association, does not prevent the commission from revoking the license to conduct an event as provided in this section: Provided, That nothing in this subsection limits the authority of a municipality to impose any other taxes or fees on mixed martial arts contests, matches or exhibitions pursuant to §8-13-1 et seq. of this code.
§29-5A-8. Issuance of license; qualification for licenses; application of other provisions of chapter; hearings.
(a) The commission may issue a license to promote,
conduct or hold professional, semiprofessional or amateur boxing, or
professional or amateur mixed martial arts sparring matches and exhibitions to
any person, corporation, association, club or organization eligible for a
license under this chapter article. In the case of a corporate
applicant, the requirements for licensure shall pertain to its officers,
directors, principal stockholders, and employees.
Before being granted a
license or the renewal of the a license under this subsection,
the applicant must shall establish to the satisfaction of the
commission that he or she:
(a) Is skilled, or has
knowledge, in the profession of boxing or mixed martial arts
(A) Possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and ability to promote, hold, and conduct a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match;
(b) (B) Is of good moral character;
(c) Is physically fit
and mentally sound;
(C) Has executed and filed a surety bond with the commission as required in §29-5A-15 of this code;
(d) (D) Will conduct his or her business in the
best interest and welfare of the public a manner that furthers the
public welfare, preserving preserves the safety and health of
participants, and the best interests of professional boxing or
professional or amateur mixed martial arts generally advances the
reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts;
(e) (E) Will adhere to and comply with all the
rules and regulations of the commission pertaining to the license.
In the case of a
corporate applicant, these factors shall pertain to its officers, directors,
principal stockholders and employees
(b) The commission may issue a license to engage as a combatant in a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match to any person eligible for a license under this article.
(1) Before being granted a license or a renewal of a license issued under this subsection, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she;
(A) Possesses the requisite fitness, skill, knowledge, and ability to compete as a professional, semiprofessional or amateur boxer, or a professional or amateur mixed martial artist;
(B) Is of good moral character;
(C) Will act in a manner that furthers the public welfare and advances the reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts;
(D) Will adhere to and comply with all the rules of the commission pertaining to the license.
(c) The commission may issue any other license required under this article including any license of a referee, judge, other official, manager, matchmaker, or trainer. In the case of a corporate applicant, the requirements for licensure shall pertain to its officers, directors, principal stockholders, and employees.
Before being granted a license or the renewal of a license under this subsection, the applicant shall establish to the satisfaction of the commission that he or she:
(A) Possesses the requisite skill, knowledge, and ability in boxing and mixed martial arts;
(B) Is of good moral character;
(C) Will adhere to and comply with all the rules of the commission pertaining to the license;
(D) Will act in a manner that furthers the public welfare, preserves the safety and health of participants, and advances the reputation and interests of the sports of boxing and mixed martial arts.
(d) Every license and licensee is subject to such rules, and amendments thereof, as the commission may prescribe.
§29-5A-14. Suspension, revocation, etc., of license.
The commission shall have the additional authority and power to suspend, revoke or place on probation the license of any licensee licensed under this chapter, who in the discretion of the commission:
(a) Is guilty of failure
Fails to obey any lawful order of the commission, the secretary or any
inspector thereof;
(b) Is guilty of gross immorality;
(c) Is unfit or
incompetent by reason of negligence;
(c) Lacks the requisite fitness, skill, knowledge, or ability to safely, properly, and competently promote, hold, conduct, engage, act, manage, contend in, judge, referee, officiate, or otherwise participate in a boxing or mixed martial arts contest;
(d) Is guilty of violating
Violates any provision of this chapter article or the
rules and regulations of the commission;
(e) Has committed fraud
or deceit in securing a license for himself or another
(e) Secures any benefit, payment, reimbursement, agreement, contract, license, or title for himself, herself, or another related to a boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match through fraud, deceit, or material misrepresentation;
(f) Has a direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome or result of any boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or event that he or she promotes, holds, or conducts;
(g) Has a direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome or result of any boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or event in which he or she acts as a judge, referee, deputy, inspector, timekeeper, scorekeeper, or other official;
(h) Contracts, agrees, acts, engages, or attempts to promote, manage, train, or match any boxer or mixed martial artist without disclosing, through a written instrument, any direct or indirect financial interest in conflict with the boxer’s or mixed martial artist’s health, safety, competitive, or financial interests;
(i) Is licensed as a promoter and has a direct or indirect financial interest in the management of any boxer or mixed martial artist licensed by the commission;
(j) Is licensed as a manager and has a direct or indirect financial interest in the promotion of any boxing or mixed martial arts contest, exhibition, or match sanctioned by the commission: Provided, That a manager may receive any compensation expressly agreed to and disclosed in a written contract between the boxer and manager: Provided, however, That nothing in this section shall prohibit a boxer or mixed martial artist from acting as his own promoter or manager;
(k) Violates any provision of the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act of 2000, 15 U.S. Code §6301 et seq.
(f) (l) Has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor
involving moral turpitude in any jurisdiction within one year preceding the
suspension or revocation and such conviction not previously reported to the
commission by said licensee;
(g) (m) Is a habitual drunkard or addicted to the
use of narcotics;
(h) (n) Is or has become mentally incompetent;
(i) (o) Is or has been guilty of unprofessional or
unethical conduct, or such conduct as to require a suspension or revocation of
license in the interest of the public;
(j) (p) Has failed to furnish the proper party a
copy of any contract or statement required by this chapter or the rules and
regulations promulgated hereunder, or has breached such a contract;
(k) (q) Has loaned or permitted another person to
use his or her license, or has borrowed or used the license of another;
(l) (r) Has failed to maintain in force the bond
required by this chapter;
(m) (s) Has by act or omission conducted himself or
herself in a manner which would tend to be detrimental to the best
interests of boxing generally, or to the public interest and general welfare;
(n) (t) Has been disciplined in any manner by the
boxing commission or similar agency or body of any jurisdiction;
(o) (u) Has failed to pay a fine or forfeiture
imposed by this chapter;
(p) (v) Has, either within or without this state,
by any act, threat, statement or otherwise, restrained, hindered, interfered
with or prevented another promoter, club, association or booking agent, or has
attempted, either within or without this state, in any such manner to restrain,
hinder, interfere with or prevent another promoter, club, association or
booking agent from presenting any boxing match or exhibition within or without
the State of West Virginia;
(q) (w) Has, either within or without this state,
engaged, directly or indirectly, in restraints or monopolies or taken any
action tending to create or establish restraints or monopolies or conspired
with others to restrain any person or persons from participating or competing
in any boxing match or exhibition for any promoter, club, association or
booking agent.
§29-5A-20. Licenses for contestants, referees and managers.
No contestant, trainer, inspector, referee, other official, matchmaker, or professional manager may take part in any boxing or mixed martial arts contest or exhibition unless holding a license from the state that is issued by the commission upon payment of the following annual license fee schedule: Professional contestant $25; amateur contestant $20; trainer $20; inspector $30; referee or other official, $30; matchmaker $50; and professional manager $50. Semiprofessional contestants shall pay a license fee of $10 for each event. Such fees shall accompany the application and shall be in the form of a certified check or money order and shall be issued to the Treasurer of the State of West Virginia to be deposited in the State Athletic Commission Fund. If a license is not granted, the Treasurer shall refund the full amount.
§29-5A-24. Rules governing contestants and matches.
(a) The commission shall propose rules for legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code.
(b) The commission shall
propose such rules to regulate professional and semiprofessional boxers,
professional or amateur mixed martial artists, professional and
semiprofessional boxing matches and exhibitions and professional or amateur
mixed martial arts matches and exhibitions: Provided, That for
professional boxers and boxing matches and exhibitions, the commission rules
shall comply with the current unified rules of boxing as adopted by the
Association of Boxing Commissions; for professional mixed martial artists and
mixed martial arts matches and exhibitions, the commission rules shall comply
with the current unified rules of mixed martial arts as adopted by the
Association of Boxing Commissions; for amateur boxers and boxing matches or
exhibitions, the commission rules shall comply with the amateur rules for
boxing as adopted by the United States Amateur Boxing Authority Association
of Boxing Commissions, U.S.A. Boxing, the International Boxing Association, or
any other appropriate governing or sanctioning body recognized and accepted by
the commission; and for amateur mixed martial artists and mixed martial
arts matches or exhibitions, the commission rules shall comply with the current
unified rules of mixed martial arts as recommended and/or adopted by the
Association of Boxing Commissions. For full contact boxing and other boxing
events that follow nontraditional rules, rules guaranteeing the safety of the
participants and the fair and honest conducting of the matches or exhibitions
are authorized.
(c) The commission shall propose separate rules for amateur boxers and amateur boxing, sparring matches and exhibitions as follows:
Rules which comply with the
requirements of the rules of the current United States Amateur Boxing
Authority recommended or adopted by the Association of Boxing
Commissions, U.S.A. Boxing, the International Boxing Association, or any other
appropriate governing or sanctioning body recognized and accepted by the
commission to the extent that any boxer complying with them will be eligible
to participate in any state, national or international state,
nationally, or internationally sanctioned boxing match. sanctioned by
the current United States Amateur Boxing Authority or the International Amateur
Boxing Association
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to clarify and define the authority of the State Athletic Commission to issue, suspend, or revoke various licenses related to boxing and mixed martial arts events; to clarify the appropriate rules for sanctioning amateur boxing events; to define the authority of the commission to promulgate legislative rules; and to require a license to act as a boxing or mixed martial arts matchmaker.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
