The bill SB1679, as amended, focuses on the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission, updating various aspects of the sport's regulation. It redefines "contestant" as "combatant," allows MMA to follow alternative rules recognized by other U.S. jurisdictions, increases penalties for unlicensed contests, revises medical exam requirements, modifies weigh-in procedures, and clarifies insurance responsibilities for promoters. Licenses will now expire 365 days after issuance, and private security can be used at contests under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill changes the misdemeanor classifications for conducting or participating in unlicensed contests and alters the rules for matchmakers to protest referee assignments. It also streamlines the process for dealing with purses in the event of sham or dishonest contests, requiring a hearing within ten days and the turnover of monies to the director if a combatant, manager, or second is found not entitled to them. The terminology throughout the statutes is updated to reflect these changes, including the redefinition of "boxing" and "mixed martial arts."

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 28-3396, 28-3397, 35-146, 35-147, 41-1730
Senate Engrossed Version: 28-3396, 28-3397, 35-146, 35-147, 41-1730
House Engrossed Version: 5-221, 5-222, 5-223, 5-224, 5-225, 5-228, 5-230, 5-231, 5-233, 5-234, 5-235.01, 5-236, 5-237, 5-238, 15-1401, 38-211, 38-611, 5-113.01, 35-190, 41-1750, 35-148, 35-146, 35-147
Chaptered Version: 5-221, 5-222, 5-223, 5-224, 5-225, 5-228, 5-230, 5-231, 5-233, 5-234, 5-235.01, 5-236, 5-237, 5-238, 15-1401, 38-211, 38-611, 5-113.01, 35-190, 41-1750, 35-148, 35-146, 35-147