HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5364

BYSenate Committee on Governmental Operations (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard, von Reichbauer and Johnson)

Redesignating the state boxing commission as the state athletic commission and revising its powers and duties.

House Committe on State Government

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (7)

      Signed by Representatives H. Sommers, Chair; Peery, Vice Chair; Baugher, Chandler, Hankins, O'Brien and Sayan.

House Staff:Pam Madson (786-7135)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT MARCH 26, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The State Boxing Commission is a regulatory agency composed of three gubernatorial appointees.  It controls and supervises all boxing, wrestling, karate, sumo and judo events occurring in the state.  It also regulates live, closed circuit telecasts of these events.  The objective of the commission is to enforce licensure requirements.  It does not have the authority to impose fines for violations of regulatory statutes or administrative rules.

Professional boxers must have a license to participate in boxing matches in Washington.  Applicants for boxing licenses are currently required to submit to a medical examination when they apply for a license.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The name of the State Boxing Commission is changed to the State Athletic Commission.

The commission may impose a fine of up to $10,000 for any wilful violation of the RCW chapter regulating boxing and wrestling.  Each day of a continuing violation is deemed a separate violation.

Applicants must submit a sworn report on their professional bout records to the commission, and a sworn report regarding the outcome of their most recent bout prior to applying for licensure in Washington.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE:  The amended bill deletes provisions:  (1) that applicants for boxing licenses submit to an independent medical examination with an emphasis on the applicant's neurological condition; and (2) that applicants submit a sworn report on their amateur bout records.

Fiscal Note:      Requested March 20, 1987.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    John Ryan, Assistant Attorney General for State Boxing Commission.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Currently the Washington State Boxing Commission is the only boxing commission in the country that cannot impose fines for infractions.  The commission can suspend licenses but this does little to enforce regulations in such transitory sports as boxing and wrestling.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.