SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5502

As Passed Senate, March 9, 2001

Title:  An act relating to boxing official licensing.

Brief Description:  Modifying boxing officials' licensing requirements.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions (originally sponsored by Senator Prentice).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Labor, Commerce & Financial Institutions:  2/27/01 [DPS].

Passed Senate:  3/9/01, 48-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR, COMMERCE & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5502 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

Signed by Senators Prentice, Chair; Gardner, Vice Chair; Benton, Fairley, Franklin, Honeyford, Patterson, Rasmussen, Regala, West and Winsley.

Staff:  Elizabeth Mitchell (786‑7430)

Background:  In order to be a licensed official at a boxing, kickboxing or martial arts event, a person must apply to the Department of Licensing.  There is concern that current licensing standards do not require adequate training for officials.

Summary of Bill:  Applicants for the positions of judge, referee, inspector, timekeeper, or other positions deemed necessary by the department must provide annual proof of certification to the department.  Organizations that may provide certification are specified, including the International Boxing Federation and the World Boxing Association.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Officials need to be qualified to ensure the health of contestants participating in events.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  Barry Druxman, Larry Abbott, Washington State Professional Boxing Officials.