The bill proposes a comprehensive restructuring of the New Mexico Athletic Commission by transferring its authority to the Regulation and Licensing Department. It expands the commission from five to seven members, requiring the inclusion of two individuals with experience in promoting sporting events or as contestants, a licensed attorney, a licensed medical professional, and three public representatives. The bill also allows for the formation of committees within the commission, eliminates the Medical Advisory Board, and introduces new licensing categories, such as event coordinators. Additionally, it amends various sections of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978, including definitions related to professional athletic competitions and the commission's jurisdiction over unarmed combat contests.

Moreover, the bill grants the department the authority to issue subpoenas for investigations and hearings, and to order promoters to withhold funds from contestants if they are found to be competing dishonestly. It clarifies the executive secretary's responsibilities during weigh-ins and professional contests, establishes limits on professional boxing rounds, and includes provisions for declaring state champions and publishing ranked contenders. The bill also appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to support the department's regulatory efforts and repeals outdated sections of the law, aiming to enhance oversight and management of athletic competitions in New Mexico.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 60-2A-2, 60-2A-3, 60-2A-4, 60-2A-8.2, 60-2A-9, 60-2A-10, 60-2A-11, 60-2A-12, 60-2A-13, 60-2A-14, 60-2A-15, 60-2A-19, 60-2A-20, 60-2A-21, 60-2A-24, 60-2A-29, 60-2A-31, 60-2A-32, 60-2A-34, 60-2A-36
AF substitute: 60-2A-2, 60-2A-3, 60-2A-4, 60-2A-8.2, 60-2A-9, 60-2A-10, 60-2A-11, 60-2A-12, 60-2A-13, 60-2A-14, 60-2A-15, 60-2A-19, 60-2A-20, 60-2A-21, 60-2A-24, 60-2A-29, 60-2A-31, 60-2A-32, 60-2A-34, 60-2A-36
GE substitute: 60-2A-2, 60-2A-3, 60-2A-4, 60-2A-8.2, 60-2A-9, 60-2A-10, 60-2A-11, 60-2A-12, 60-2A-13, 60-2A-14, 60-2A-15, 60-2A-19, 60-2A-20, 60-2A-21, 60-2A-24, 60-2A-29, 60-2A-31, 60-2A-32, 60-2A-34, 60-2A-36