BILL NUMBER: S8437
SPONSOR: ORTT
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to lowering the
financial burden of professional wrestling promoters; and to repeal
certain provisions of such law relating thereto
 
PURPOSE:
To lower the financial burden of professional wrestling promoters
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Subdivision 3 of section 1000 of the general business law is
amended, and two new subdivisions are added (7 and 8)
3 - Explains the definition for combative sport
7- Explains the definition of professional wrestling
8 - Explains the definition of wrestling exhibition, wrestling contest
and wrestling event.
Section 2: states that combative sports are authorized
Section 3: amends the general business law subdivision 10 of section
1015 to clarify the bonds that shall be required.
Section 4: Subdivision 11 of section 1015 of the general business law is
repealed
Section 5: explains the licensing that will be required for such an
event. As well as that an exhibition shall provide a registered nurse or
other medical professional.
Section 6: The state athletic commission shall promulgate rules and
regulations to implement the provisions of this section.
Section 7 establishes the effective date.
 
EXISTING LAW:
New bill
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Pro wrestling is currently under the NYS Athletic Commission which also
oversees boxing and similar events. Pro wrestling is considered a form
of entertainment, and this leads to unnecessary rules and regulations
being enforced for events. These regulations create an extra burden for
local pro wrestling promotions. This bill would reform pro wrestling to
make holding events more affordable and result in a business-friendly
environment.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately

Statutes affected:
S8437: 1000 general business law, 1000(3) general business law, 1001 general business law, 1015 general business law, 1015(10) general business law, 1015(11) general business law, 1017 general business law