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 participating in unarmed combat, 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 while removing existing penalties. Additionally, it amends various sections of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) 1978, including definitions related to athletic competitions and the commission's jurisdiction over unarmed combat contests.

Key amendments include the requirement for a majority vote of the commission to revoke a license, the filing of written reports to licensees, and the stipulation that contracts for professional fighters must be filed with the executive director. The bill also clarifies that the commission can withhold purses if a contestant is deemed to not be competing honestly and establishes that the executive director must ensure compliance with the act during weigh-ins and contests. Other changes involve reducing the maximum length of professional boxing matches from fifteen to twelve rounds, establishing a state champion in each weight class, and requiring champions to defend their titles every six months. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the general fund to support the administration of the act and repeals several outdated sections of the law, aiming to enhance accountability and safety for participants in professional athletic competitions.

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-16, 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