The bill SB1679 proposes significant amendments to the regulations governing the Arizona State Boxing and Mixed Martial Arts Commission. It updates terminology by replacing "contestant" with "combatant" and expands the Commission's authority to adopt rules for mixed martial arts (MMA) contests that may differ from those of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. The bill increases penalties for conducting unlicensed contests from a class 2 misdemeanor to a class 1 misdemeanor and modifies medical examination requirements, allowing examinations from any licensed physician in the U.S. rather than being limited to Arizona-licensed physicians. Additionally, medical examination results will now expire after 365 days, weigh-ins must occur within one calendar day before an event, and promoters are required to request law enforcement presence at contests.

Other changes include the ability for the Commission to permit private security services if law enforcement is unavailable, streamlined procedures for referee reassignment, and clearer guidelines for penalties and operational procedures. The bill also emphasizes the consequences for conducting or participating in unlicensed contests, including potential license revocation, denial, or suspension. Overall, these amendments aim to modernize the regulatory framework for combat sports in Arizona, ensuring a more comprehensive and efficient oversight of boxing and MMA events.

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