Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Business & Financial Services Committee |
HB 2573
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Requiring the department of licensing to conduct a review of the need for regulation of theatrical wrestling events.
Sponsors: Representative Hudgins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/4/14
Staff: David Rubenstein (786-7153).
Background:
The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates boxing, martial arts, kickboxing, and wrestling events. Wrestling events are defined by statute to mean "a form of sports entertainment in which the participants display their skills in a physical struggle against each other in the ring and either the outcome may be predetermined or the participants do not necessarily strive to win, or both."
Licensure.
Boxers, kickboxers, martial arts participants, promoters, inspectors, and others involved with the events must obtain a license from the DOL unless exempt. The DOL's ability to impose certain sanctions is dependent on whether or not events charge an admission fee.
Existing Licensing Exemptions.
There are a number of different exemptions from licensure in statute. A boxing, kickboxing, martial arts, or wrestling event is exempt if the event is conducted by any common school, college, or university and all the participating contestants are bona fide students; or an entirely amateur event, as defined.
Summary of Bill:
The DOL is required to conduct a sunrise review of the need for regulation of theatrical wrestling events, such as lucha libre. In conducting its review, the DOL must:
consider how much regulation organizations infrequently sponsoring such events require;
consider how much regulation non-competitive events require;
examine similar regulations in other states;
and consult with professional and theatrical wrestling participants and other licensees under chapter 67.08 RCW.
The DOL must report its findings to the legislature by November 1, 2014.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.