This bill amends various sections of Louisiana law to rename the "State Boxing and Wrestling Commission" to the "Louisiana State Athletic Commission." It introduces several changes regarding the commission's operations, including the establishment of a "safety zone" at events, which requires an area of at least eight feet around the ring or cage to be partitioned off from public seating. The bill also allows the commission to set its own fees and salaries, repealing previous statutory amounts for licensing fees and board member salaries. Additionally, it specifies that the commission will not receive state funds and outlines the conditions under which professional wrestling events are exempt from certain regulations.

Key amendments include changes to licensing fees for various roles, such as increasing the fee for wrestling promoters from $250 to $500, while reducing the fee for boxing promoters from $500 to $250. The bill also establishes a per diem for commission members attending meetings or events, not exceeding $150 per day, and allows for reimbursement of actual expenses. Furthermore, it raises the maximum venue capacity for certain professional wrestling events from 400 to 1,000 persons, and introduces a fee of $250 for the commission's approval and review of professional wrestling events.

Statutes affected:
HB538 Original: 4:61(A), 4:65(A)(2), 4:67(C)(1), 4:79(C), 4:1(A), 4:83(B)(2), 4:85(3), 36:1(C)(11)
HB538 Engrossed: 4:61(A), 4:65(A)(2), 4:67(C)(1), 4:79(C), 4:1(A), 4:83(B)(2), 4:85(3), 36:1(C)(11)
HB538 Enrolled: 4:61(A), 4:65(A)(2), 4:67(C)(1), 4:79(C), 4:1(A), 4:83(B)(2), 4:85(3), 36:1(C)(11)
HB538 Act 290: 4:61(A), 4:65(A)(2), 4:67(C)(1), 4:79(C), 4:1(A), 4:83(B)(2), 4:85(3), 36:1(C)(11)