HB 1961-S - DIGEST
(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

Declares that in the interest of ensuring the safety and welfare of the participants, the director of the department of licensing is required to direct, supervise, and control all boxing, mixed martial arts, and wrestling events conducted within this state and an event may not be held in this state except in accordance with the provisions of chapter 67.08 RCW.

Provides that no amateur or professional no holds barred fighting or combative fighting contest, exhibition, match, or similar type of event, nor any elimination tournament, may be held in this state. Any person promoting such an event is guilty of a class C felony. Additionally, the director may apply to a superior court for an injunction against any and all promoters of such contests, and the court may seize all money and assets relating to the competition at the request of the director.

Provides that, in addition to the payment of any other fees and money due under this act, every promoter shall pay to the department a fee consisting of a percentage of the total gross receipts from the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting, television, and motion picture rights for the event, without any deductions for the state, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising, participants' purses, or any other expenses or charges. The fee shall be three percent of the total gross receipts less than one million one dollars and, in addition, one percent of the total gross receipts that exceed one million dollars and do not exceed three million dollars.

Requires each participant for boxing, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts events to receive a prefight physical before an event and within a timeframe specified in rule. The prefight physical shall be performed by an event physician licensed by the department. The event physician shall complete and sign a prefight physical form provided by the department. The completed prefight physical form must be provided to the chief inspector prior to the beginning of the event. No participant whose physical condition is not approved by the event physician shall be permitted to participate in any event.

Repeals RCW 67.08.010, 67.08.040, 67.08.130, 67.08.220, and 67.08.240.