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. Furthermore, 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.

Additionally, the bill grants the department the authority to issue subpoenas for investigations and hearings, and it allows for the withholding of purses from contestants when necessary. It clarifies the responsibilities of the executive secretary in ensuring compliance during weigh-ins and contests, and it sets a limit of twelve rounds for professional boxing contests while establishing 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 To support the implementation of these changes, it appropriates $200,000 from the general fund and repeals several outdated sections of the law, aiming to enhance oversight and streamline the regulatory framework for professional athletic competitions in New Mexico.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