The bill proposes a comprehensive overhaul of the governance and regulation of athletic competitions in New Mexico by transferring authority from the New Mexico Athletic Commission 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 athletic competitions, the commission's jurisdiction over unarmed combat contests, and the licensing process for promoters and participants.

Moreover, the bill empowers the department to issue subpoenas for investigations and hearings, and it allows for the withholding of 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 a limit of twelve rounds for professional boxing contests, and sets specific rules for other combat sports. The bill also includes provisions for declaring state champions in professional boxing, mandates the publication of ranked contenders, and outlines title defense requirements. To support the implementation of these changes, it appropriates $200,000 from the general fund for the Regulation and Licensing Department and repeals several outdated sections of the law, ultimately aiming to enhance the regulatory framework for professional athletic competitions in New Mexico.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