Public Safety and Security Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5201
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING MUAY THAI AS A FORM OF MIXED MARTIAL ARTS.
Vote Date: 3/24/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/11/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Public Safety and Security Committee
Co-Sponsors:
Rep. Craig C. Fishbein, 90th Dist.
Rep. Greg S. Howard, 43rd Dist.
Rep. Cara Christine Pavalock-D'Amato, 77th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill would allow mixed martial arts to include Muay Thai Under current Connecticut law
Muay Thai is not recognized. This would allow many tournaments and other competitions to
be held Connecticut.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None Expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Cara Pavalock-D'Amato, Representative, State of Connecticut
Rep. Pavalock-D'Amato is in support of this bill. On May 7, 2013, CGA overwhelmingly
passed legislation to allow matches to be held in our state. This original bill did not include
Muay Thai under the definition of mixed martial arts. This bill would add Muay Thai to the
definition of mixed martial arts which would give the Commissioner of DESPP jurisdiction
over Muay Thai matches. The change would cost CT zero dollars to implement. This is a
potential revenue maker as it would allow studios to host matches in Connecticut bringing
with it out of state participants and their families.
Kirslyn Foster-Yee, Employee, Thornton Martial Arts and Fitness, LLC, East Hartford,
CT
Ms. Foster-Yee is in support of this bill. Having the ability for martial arts studios to compete
locally would increase revenue from competition, would aid in boosting our economy, as well
as building CT into becoming a host destination for competition. Our students are present,
eager, and ready to gain endless benefits that this sport has to offer.
Meaghan Kennedy, Coventry, CT
Ms. Kennedy is in support of this bill. Being a regular participant of this sport for some time, I
appreciate the positive impact it has had on my life. Legalizing Muay Thai would bring
awareness to the sport and others would look into this rewarding martial art. By legalization it
would allow for competitions to occur in Connecticut both benefitting the state, as well as the
sport, by boosting revenue.
Edward E. Thornton, Owner, Thornton Martial Arts
Mr. Thornton is in support of this bill. This bill would benefit martial arts studios across the
state because it would allow them to hold youth tournaments in Connecticut, which under
current law are prohibited by DEPS. Muay Thai is a respect-based sport steeped in culture of
Thailand that dates back centuries, it has recently accepted as an Olympic Sport. It has
gained popularity and deserves to be practiced and competed legally in Connecticut.
Bryand Perezespinosa, East Hartford, CT
Angel Sierra, Glastonbury, CT
Sergio Sierra, Glastonbury, CT
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None Expressed
Reported by: Bonnie Gray, Asst. Clerk Date: 04/01/2021
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