BILL NUMBER: S5367
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act in relation to directing the state athletic commission to review
the need for regulation and licensing of professional wrestling; and
providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof
 
PURPOSE:
This legislation would direct the state athletic commission to review
the need for regulation and licensing of professional wrestling.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 directs the state athletic commission to conduct a review of
the need for regulation of professional wrestling and develop recommen-
dations to the legislature regarding such regulation. This section also
sets a deadline of November 1, 2023 for the state athletic commission to
submit a report with its findings and recommendations.
Section 2 sets the effective date and deems the law repealed on July 1,
2024.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York State law defines professional wrestling as "an activity in
which participants struggle hand-in-hand primarily for the purpose of
providing entertainment to spectators and which does not comprise a
bonafide athletic contest or competition."
Wrestling promoters, most of whom are small and independent businesses,
have expressed significant concern regarding New York State's burdensome
and costly regulations to put on these entertainment events. They
contend that because of the choreographed nature of professional wrestl-
ing, their events should not have to carry the same insurance and safety
requirements as bonafide athletic contests and competitions.
This legislation requires a review of the state mandates for profes-
sional wrestling events by the state athletic commission and seeks poli-
cy recommendations that may ease the regulatory burden for putting on
these entertainment events.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S5953- 2024
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed July 1, 2024.