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S.B. 25

             1     

ATHLETIC COMMISSION

             2     
RESPONSIBILITIES

             3     
2001 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Sponsor: Pete Suazo

             6      This act modifies the Utah Professional Boxing Regulation Act by repealing the current act
             7      and replacing it with the Utah Athletic Commission Act. The act removes the regulation of
             8      boxing and unarmed combat from the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
             9      and creates an independent Utah Athletic Commission within the Department of Commerce.
             10      The act provides for the licensure of promoters, managers, seconds, contestants, judges, and
             11      referees. The act grants rulemaking authority to the Utah Athletic Commission to govern
             12      unarmed combat. The act prohibits ultimate fighting. The act defines unlawful and
             13      unprofessional conduct and provides for penalties. The act authorizes the hiring of a
             14      director of the Utah Athletic Commission. The act levies fees on ticket proceeds and
             15      broadcast revenues from contests. The act provides for funding of amateur boxing within
             16      the state.
             17      This act affects sections of Utah Code Annotated 1953 as follows:
             18      ENACTS:
             19          13-33-101, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             20          13-33-102, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             21          13-33-201, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             22          13-33-202, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             23          13-33-203, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             24          13-33-204, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             25          13-33-205, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             26          13-33-301, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             27          13-33-302, Utah Code Annotated 1953


             28          13-33-303, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             29          13-33-304, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             30          13-33-401, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             31          13-33-402, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             32          13-33-403, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             33          13-33-404, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             34          13-33-405, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             35          13-33-501, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             36          13-33-502, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             37          13-33-503, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             38          13-33-504, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             39          13-33-505, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             40          13-33-506, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             41      REPEALS:
             42          58-66-101, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             43          58-66-102, as last amended by Chapter 77, Laws of Utah 2000
             44          58-66-201, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             45          58-66-301, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             46          58-66-302, as last amended by Chapter 77, Laws of Utah 2000
             47          58-66-303, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             48          58-66-401, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             49          58-66-501, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             50          58-66-502, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             51          58-66-503, as enacted by Chapter 83, Laws of Utah 1997
             52          58-66-601, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             53          58-66-602, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             54          58-66-603, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             55          58-66-604, as last amended by Chapter 77, Laws of Utah 2000
             56          58-66-605, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             57          58-66-606, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             58          58-66-607, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995


             59          58-66-608, as enacted by Chapter 11, Laws of Utah 1995
             60      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             61          Section 1. Section 13-33-101 is enacted to read:
             62     
CHAPTER 33. UTAH ATHLETIC COMMISSION ACT

             63     
Part 1. General Provisions

             64          13-33-101. Title.
             65          This chapter is known as the "Utah Athletic Commission Act."
             66          Section 2. Section 13-33-102 is enacted to read:
             67          13-33-102. Definitions.
             68          As used in this chapter:
             69          (1) "Bodily injury" means as defined in Section 76-1-601 .
             70          (2) "Commission" means the Utah Athletic Commission created in this chapter.
             71          (3) "Contest" means a live match, performance, or exhibition involving persons engaged
             72      in unarmed combat.
             73          (4) "Contestant" means an individual who participates in a contest for a cash purse in any
             74      amount or for a noncash purse with more than nominal value as defined by rule.
             75          (5) "Department" means the Department of Commerce.
             76          (6) "Director" means the director of the Utah Athletic Commission.
             77          (7) "Executive director" means the executive director of the Department of Commerce.
             78          (8) "Exhibition" means an engagement in which the participants show or display their
             79      skills without necessarily striving to win.
             80          (9) "Judge" means an individual qualified by training or experience to:
             81          (a) rate the performance of contestants;
             82          (b) score a contest; and
             83          (c) determine with other judges whether there is a winner of the contest or whether the
             84      contestants performed equally resulting in a draw.
             85          (10) "Manager" means an individual who represents a contestant for the purposes of
             86      obtaining matches, negotiating terms and conditions of the contract under which the contestant will
             87      engage in a contest, or arranging for a second for the contestant at a contest.
             88          (11) "Promoter" means a person who engages in producing or staging contests and
             89      promotions.


             90          (12) "Promotion" means a single contest or a combination of contests that occur during
             91      the same time at the same location and that is produced or staged by a promoter.
             92          (13) (a) "Purse" means any money, prize, remuneration, or any other valuable
             93      consideration a contestant receives or may receive for participation in a contest.
             94          (b) "Purse" does not mean a trophy, medal, or similar object of nominal value as defined
             95      by rule that is received for participation in a contest.
             96          (14) "Referee" means an individual qualified by training or experience to act as the official
             97      attending a contest at the point of contact between contestants for the purpose of:
             98          (a) enforcing the rules relating to the contest;
             99          (b) stopping the contest in the event the health, safety, and welfare of a contestant or any
             100      other person in attendance at the contest is in jeopardy; and
             101          (c) to act as a judge if so designated by the commission.
             102          (15) "Second" means an individual who attends a contestant at the site of the contest
             103      before, during, and after the contest in accordance with contest rules.
             104          (16) "Serious bodily injury" is as defined in Section 76-1-601 .
             105          (17) "Total gross receipts" means the amount of the face value of all tickets sold to a
             106      particular contest plus any sums received as consideration for holding the contest at a particular
             107      location.
             108          (18) "Ultimate fighting match" means a live match in which:
             109          (a) an admission fee is charged;
             110          (b) match rules permit contestants to use a combination of boxing, kicking, wrestling,
             111      hitting, punching, or other combative, contact techniques; and
             112          (c) match rules do not:
             113          (i) incorporate a formalized system of combative techniques against which a contestant's
             114      performance is judged to determine the prevailing contestant;
             115          (ii) divide a match into two or more equal and specified time periods for a match total of
             116      no more than 50 minutes; or
             117          (iii) prohibit contestants from:
             118          (A) using anything that is not part of the human body, except for boxing gloves, to
             119      intentionally inflict serious bodily injury upon an opponent through direct contact or the expulsion
             120      of a projectile;


             121          (B) striking a person who demonstrates an inability to protect himself from the advances
             122      of an opponent;
             123          (C) biting; or
             124          (D) direct, intentional, and forceful strikes to the eyes, groin area, adam's apple area of the
             125      neck, and temple area of the head.
             126          (19) "Unarmed combat" means boxing, wrestling, or any form of competition in which a
             127      blow is usually struck which may reasonably be expected to inflict bodily injury.
             128          (20) "Unlawful conduct" means organizing, promoting, or participating in a contest which
             129      involves:
             130          (a) contestants that are not licensed under this chapter; or
             131          (b) persons other than contestants, unless the contest is conducted in accordance with the
             132      standards and regulations of USA Boxing, Inc.
             133          (21) "Unprofessional conduct" means:
             134          (a) entering into a contract for a contest in bad faith;
             135          (b) participating in any sham or fake contest;
             136          (c) participating in a contest pursuant to a collusive understanding or agreement in which
             137      the contestant competes in or terminates the contest in a manner that is not based upon honest
             138      competition or the honest exhibition of the skill of the contestant;
             139          (d) engaging in an act or conduct that is detrimental to a contest, including any foul or
             140      unsportsmanlike conduct in connection with a contest;
             141          (e) failing to comply with any limitation, restriction, or condition placed on a license; or
             142          (f) as further defined by rule by the commission.
             143          Section 3. Section 13-33-201 is enacted to read:
             144     
Part 2. Commission

             145          13-33-201. Commission -- Creation -- Appointments -- Terms -- Expenses -- Quorum.
             146          (1) There is created within the Department of Commerce the Utah Athletic Commission
             147      consisting of five members.
             148          (2) (a) The commission members shall be appointed by the executive director.
             149          (b) The commission members may not be licensees under this chapter.
             150          (c) The names of all persons appointed to the commission shall be submitted to the
             151      governor for confirmation or rejection.


             152          (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current members expire, the
             153      executive director shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a four-year term.
             154          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the executive director shall,
             155      at the time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             156      members are staggered so that approximately half of the commission is appointed every two years.
             157          (c) A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms, and a member who ceases
             158      to serve on the commission may not serve again on the commission until after the expiration of
             159      a two-year period beginning from that cessation of service.
             160          (d) (i) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             161      appointed for the unexpired term.
             162          (ii) After filling that term, the replacement member may be appointed for only one
             163      additional full term.
             164          (e) If a commission member fails or refuses to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of a
             165      commission member, including the attendance at commission meetings, the executive director,
             166      with the approval of the commission, may remove the commission member and replace the
             167      member in accordance with this section.
             168          (4) A majority of the commission members constitutes a quorum. A quorum is sufficient
             169      authority for the commission to act.
             170          (5) (a) (i) Members who are not government employees shall receive no compensation or
             171      benefits for their services, but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of
             172      the member's official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
             173      63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             174          (ii) Members may decline to receive per diem and expenses for their service.
             175          (b) (i) State government officer and employee members who do not receive salary, per
             176      diem, or expenses from their agency for their service may receive per diem and expenses incurred
             177      in the performance of their official duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under
             178      Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107 .
             179          (ii) State government officer and employee members may decline to receive per diem and
             180      expenses for their service.
             181          (6) The commission shall annually designate one of its members to serve as chair for a
             182      one-year period.


             183          Section 4. Section 13-33-202 is enacted to read:
             184          13-33-202. Commission duties.
             185          The commission shall:
             186          (1) purchase and use a seal;
             187          (2) adopt rules for the administration of this chapter in accordance with Title 63, Chapter
             188      46a, Administrative Rulemaking Act;
             189          (3) prepare all forms of contracts between sponsors, licensees, promoters, and contestants;
             190      and
             191          (4) hold hearings relating to matters under its jurisdiction, including violations of this
             192      chapter or rules promulgated under this chapter.
             193          Section 5. Section 13-33-203 is enacted to read:
             194          13-33-203. Director of commission.
             195          (1) The commission shall employ a director to conduct the business of the commission,
             196      who must not be a member of the commission.
             197          (2) The director serves at the pleasure of the commission.
             198          Section 6. Section 13-33-204 is enacted to read:
             199          13-33-204. Inspectors.
             200          (1) The commission may appoint one or more official representatives to be designated as
             201      inspectors which shall serve at the pleasure of the commission.
             202          (2) Each inspector must receive from the commission a card authorizing that inspector to
             203      act as an inspector for the commission.
             204          (3) An inspector may not promote or sponsor any contest.
             205          (4) Each inspector is entitled to receive a fee approved by the commission for the
             206      performance of duties under this chapter.
             207          Section 7. Section 13-33-205 is enacted to read:
             208          13-33-205. Affiliation with other commissions.
             209          The commission shall have the authority to affiliate with any other state or national boxing
             210      commission or athletic authority.
             211          Section 8. Section 13-33-301 is enacted to read:
             212     
Part 3. Licensing

             213          13-33-301. Licensing.


             214          (1) A license is required for a person to act as or to represent that the person is a:
             215          (a) promoter;
             216          (b) manager;
             217          (c) contestant;
             218          (d) second;
             219          (e) referee; or
             220          (f) judge.
             221          (2) The commission shall issue to a person who qualifies under this chapter a license in
             222      the classifications of:
             223          (a) promoter;
             224          (b) manager;
             225          (c) contestant;
             226          (d) second;
             227          (e) referee; or
             228          (f) judge.
             229          (3) Each applicant for licensure as a promoter shall:
             230          (a) submit an application in a form prescribed by the commission;
             231          (b) pay the fee determined by the department under Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             232          (c) provide to the commission evidence of financial responsibility which shall include
             233      financial statements and other information that the commission may reasonably require to
             234      determine that the applicant or licensee is able to competently perform as and meet the obligations
             235      of a promoter in this state;
             236          (d) produce information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish
             237      by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant's reputation for good character, honesty, integrity,
             238      and responsibility, which shall include information, documentation, and assurances that the
             239      applicant:
             240          (i) has not and at the time of application is not associating or consorting with a person
             241      engaging in illegal activity to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the
             242      conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and
             243      welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             244          (ii) has not been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction which the commission determines


             245      by the nature of the crime and circumstances surrounding the crime should disqualify the applicant
             246      from licensure in the public interest;
             247          (iii) is not associating or consorting with a person who has been convicted of a felony in
             248      any jurisdiction to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct
             249      of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of
             250      the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             251          (iv) is not associating or consorting with a person engaging in illegal gambling or similar
             252      pursuits to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct of
             253      contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the
             254      applicant or a licensed contestant;
             255          (v) is not engaging in illegal gambling with respect to sporting events or gambling with
             256      respect to the promotions the applicant is promoting;
             257          (vi) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have engaged
             258      in or attempted to engage in any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with a contest or any
             259      other sporting event;
             260          (vii) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have violated
             261      or attempted to violate any law with respect to a contest in any jurisdiction or any law, rule, or
             262      order relating to the regulation of contests in this state or any other jurisdiction;
             263          (e) acknowledge in writing to the commission receipt, understanding, and intent to comply
             264      with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter; and
             265          (f) if requested by the commission or the director, meet with the commission or the
             266      director to examine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
             267          (4) Each applicant for licensure as a contestant shall:
             268          (a) be not less than 18 years of age at the time the application is submitted to the
             269      commission;
             270          (b) submit an application in a form prescribed by the commission;
             271          (c) pay the fee established by the department under Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             272          (d) provide a certificate of physical examination, dated not more than 60 days prior to the
             273      date of application for license, in a form provided by the commission, completed by a licensed
             274      physician and surgeon certifying that the applicant is free from any physical or mental condition
             275      that indicates the applicant should not engage in activity as a contestant;


             276          (e) provide the commission with an accurate history of all matches that the applicant has
             277      engaged in since becoming a contestant, including information on whether the applicant won or
             278      lost each contest, and the matches in which there was a knockout or technical knockout;
             279          (f) produce information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish
             280      by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant's reputation for good character, honesty, integrity,
             281      and responsibility, which shall include information, documentation, and assurances that the
             282      applicant:
             283          (i) has not and at the time of application is not associating or consorting with a person
             284      engaging in illegal activity to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the
             285      conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and
             286      welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             287          (ii) has not been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction which the commission determines
             288      by the nature of the crime and circumstances surrounding that crime should disqualify the applicant
             289      from licensure in the public interest;
             290          (iii) is not associating or consorting with any person who has been convicted of a felony
             291      in any jurisdiction to the degree that the commission finds that the association or consorting
             292      represents a threat to the conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to
             293      the health, safety, and welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             294          (iv) is not associating or consorting with a person engaging in illegal gambling or similar
             295      pursuits or a person gambling with respect to the promotion for which the applicant is receiving
             296      a license to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct of
             297      contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the
             298      applicant or a licensed contestant;
             299          (v) is not engaging in illegal gambling with respect to sporting events or gambling with
             300      respect to a contest in which the applicant will participate;
             301          (vi) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have engaged
             302      in or attempted to have engaged in any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with a contest or
             303      any other sporting event;
             304          (vii) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have violated
             305      or attempted to violate any law with respect to contests in any jurisdiction or any law, rule, or order
             306      relating to the regulation of contests in this state or any other jurisdiction;


             307          (g) acknowledge in writing to the commission receipt, understanding, and intent to comply
             308      with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter; and
             309          (h) if requested by the commission or the director, meet with the commission or the
             310      director to examine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
             311          (5) Each applicant for licensure as a manager or second shall:
             312          (a) submit an application in a form prescribed by the commission;
             313          (b) pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             314          (c) produce information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish
             315      by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant's reputation for good character, honesty, integrity,
             316      and responsibility, which shall include information, documentation, and assurances that the
             317      applicant:
             318          (i) has not and at the time of application is not associating or consorting with a person
             319      engaging in illegal activity to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the
             320      conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and
             321      welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             322          (ii) has not been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction which the commission determines
             323      by the nature of the crime and circumstances surrounding that crime should disqualify the applicant
             324      from licensure in the public interest;
             325          (iii) is not associating or consorting with any person who has been convicted of a felony
             326      in any jurisdiction to the degree that the commission finds that the association or consorting
             327      represents a threat to the conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to
             328      the health, safety, and welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             329          (iv) is not associating or consorting with a person engaging in illegal gambling or similar
             330      pursuits or a person gambling with respect to the promotion for which the applicant is receiving
             331      a license to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct of
             332      contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the
             333      applicant or a licensed contestant;
             334          (v) is not engaging in illegal gambling with respect to sporting events or gambling with
             335      respect to a contest in which the applicant is participating;
             336          (vi) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have engaged
             337      in or attempted to have engaged in any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with a contest or


             338      any other sporting event;
             339          (vii) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have violated
             340      or attempted to violate any law with respect to a contest in any jurisdiction or any law, rule, or
             341      order relating to the regulation of contests in this state or any other jurisdiction;
             342          (d) acknowledge in writing to the commission receipt, understanding, and intent to comply
             343      with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter; and
             344          (e) if requested by the commission or director, meet with the commission or the director
             345      to examine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
             346          (6) Each applicant for licensure as a referee or judge shall:
             347          (a) submit an application in a form prescribed by the commission;
             348          (b) pay a fee determined by the department under Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             349          (c) produce information, documentation, and assurances as may be required to establish
             350      by a preponderance of the evidence the applicant's reputation for good character, honesty, integrity,
             351      and responsibility, which shall include information, documentation, and assurances that the
             352      applicant:
             353          (i) has not and at the time of application is not associating or consorting with a person
             354      engaging in illegal activity to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the
             355      conduct of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and
             356      welfare of the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             357          (ii) has not been convicted of a crime in any jurisdiction which the commission determines
             358      by the nature of the crime and circumstances surrounding the crime should disqualify the applicant
             359      from licensure in the public interest;
             360          (iii) is not associating or consorting with any person who has been convicted of a felony
             361      in any jurisdiction to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct
             362      of contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of
             363      the applicant or a licensed contestant;
             364          (iv) is not associating or consorting with a person engaging in illegal gambling or similar
             365      pursuits or a person gambling with respect to the promotion for which the applicant is receiving
             366      a license to the extent that the association or consorting represents a threat to the conduct of
             367      contests in the public's interest within the state, or a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of the
             368      applicant or a licensed contestant;


             369          (v) is not engaging in illegal gambling with respect to sporting events or gambling with
             370      respect to a contest in which the applicant is participating;
             371          (vi) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have engaged
             372      in or attempted to have engaged in any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with a contest or
             373      any other sporting event;
             374          (vii) has not been found in an administrative, criminal, or civil proceeding to have violated
             375      or attempted to violate any law with respect to contests in any jurisdiction or any law, rule, or order
             376      relating to the regulation of contests in this state or any other jurisdiction;
             377          (d) acknowledge in writing to the commission receipt, understanding, and intent to comply
             378      with this chapter and the rules made under this chapter;
             379          (e) provide evidence satisfactory to the commission that the applicant is qualified by
             380      training and experience to competently act as a referee or judge in a contest; and
             381          (f) if requested by the commission or the director, meet with the commission or the
             382      director to examine the applicant's qualifications for licensure.
             383          Section 9. Section 13-33-302 is enacted to read:
             384          13-33-302. Term of license -- Expiration -- Renewal.
             385          (1) (a) The commission shall issue each license under this chapter in accordance with a
             386      two-year renewal cycle established by rule.
             387          (b) The commission may by rule extend or shorten a renewal period by as much as one
             388      year to stagger the renewal cycles it administers.
             389          (2) At the time of renewal, the licensee shall show satisfactory evidence of compliance
             390      with renewal requirements established by rule by the commission.
             391          (3) Each license automatically expires on the expiration date shown on the license unless
             392      the licensee renews it in accordance with the rules established by the commission.
             393          Section 10. Section 13-33-303 is enacted to read:
             394          13-33-303. Grounds for denial of license -- Disciplinary proceedings -- Reinstatement.
             395          (1) The commission shall refuse to issue a license to an applicant and shall refuse to renew
             396      or shall revoke, suspend, restrict, place on probation, or otherwise act upon the license of a licensee
             397      who does not meet the qualifications for licensure under this chapter.
             398          (2) The commission may refuse to issue a license to an applicant and may refuse to renew
             399      or may revoke, suspend, restrict, place on probation, issue a public or private reprimand to, or


             400      otherwise act upon the license of any licensee in any of the following cases:
             401          (a) the applicant or licensee has engaged in unlawful or unprofessional conduct, as defined
             402      by statute or rule under this chapter;
             403          (b) the applicant or licensee has been determined to be mentally incompetent for any
             404      reason by a court of competent jurisdiction; or
             405          (c) the applicant or licensee is unable to practice the occupation or profession with
             406      reasonable skill and safety because of illness, drunkenness, excessive use of drugs, narcotics,
             407      chemicals, or any other type of material, or as a result of any other mental or physical condition,
             408      when the licensee's condition demonstrates a threat or potential threat to the public health, safety,
             409      or welfare.
             410          (3) Any licensee whose license under this chapter has been suspended, revoked, or
             411      restricted may apply for reinstatement of the license at reasonable intervals and upon compliance
             412      with any conditions imposed upon the licensee by statute, rule, or terms of the license suspension,
             413      revocation, or restriction.
             414          (4) The commission may issue cease and desist orders:
             415          (a) to a licensee or applicant who may be disciplined under Subsection (1) or (2); and
             416          (b) to any person who otherwise violates this chapter or any rules adopted under this title.
             417          (5) (a) The commission may not take disciplinary action against any person for unlawful
             418      or unprofessional conduct under this title, unless the commission initiates an adjudicative
             419      proceeding regarding the conduct within four years after the conduct is reported to the commission,
             420      except under Subsection (5)(b).
             421          (b) The commission may not take disciplinary action against any person for unlawful or
             422      unprofessional conduct more than ten years after the occurrence of the conduct, unless the
             423      proceeding is in response to a civil or criminal judgment or settlement and the proceeding is
             424      initiated within one year following the judgment or settlement.
             425          (6) Notwithstanding the provisions of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures
             426      Act, the commission shall have the authority to immediately suspend the license of a contestant
             427      at such time and for such period that the commission believes is necessary to protect the health,
             428      safety, and welfare of the contestant, other contestants, or the public. The commission shall
             429      establish by rule appropriate procedures to invoke the suspension and to provide a suspended
             430      contestant a right to a hearing before the commission with respect to the suspension within a


             431      reasonable time after the suspension.
             432          Section 11. Section 13-33-304 is enacted to read:
             433          13-33-304. Additional fees for license of promoter.
             434          (1) In addition to the payment of any other fees and money due under this chapter, every
             435      promoter shall pay a license fee of:
             436          (a) 4% of the total gross receipts from admission fees to each live contest or exhibition,
             437      exclusive of any other state or federal tax or tax imposed by any political subdivision of this state;
             438      and
             439          (b) 4% of the total gross receipts from the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting,
             440      television, and motion picture rights for each contest or exhibition.
             441          (2) The fees due under Subsection (1) shall be calculated without any deductions for
             442      commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising, contestants' purses, or any other
             443      expenses or charges.
             444          (3) The commission shall adopt rules:
             445          (a) requiring that the number and face value of all complimentary tickets be reported; and
             446          (b) governing the treatment of complimentary tickets for the purposes of computing gross
             447      receipts from admission fees under Subsection (1)(a).
             448          Section 12. Section 13-33-401 is enacted to read:
             449     
Part 4. Control of Contests

             450          13-33-401. Jurisdiction of commission.
             451          (1) The commission has and is vested with the sole direction, management, control, and
             452      jurisdiction over all contests or exhibitions of unarmed combat to be conducted, held, or given
             453      within this state, and no contest or exhibition may be conducted, held, or given within this state
             454      except in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
             455          (2) Any contest involving a form of Oriental unarmed self-defense must be conducted
             456      pursuant to rules for that form which are approved by the commission before the contest is
             457      conducted, held, or given.
             458          Section 13. Section 13-33-402 is enacted to read:
             459          13-33-402. Ultimate fighting prohibited.
             460          (1) Ultimate fighting matches are prohibited.
             461          (2) Any person who publicizes, promotes, conducts, or engages in an ultimate fighting


             462      match is:
             463          (a) guilty of a class A misdemeanor as provided in Section 76-9-705 ; and
             464          (b) subject to license revocation under this chapter.
             465          Section 14. Section 13-33-403 is enacted to read:
             466          13-33-403. Permit to hold contest or promotion -- Bond required.
             467          (1) An application to hold a contest or multiple contests as part of a single promotion shall
             468      be made by a licensed promoter to the commission on forms provided by the commission.
             469          (2) The application shall be accompanied by a contest fee determined by the department
             470      under Section 63-38-3.2 .
             471          (3) Before a permit to hold a contest or promotion is granted, the applicant shall post a
             472      surety bond with the commission in an amount and form determined by the commission, providing
             473      for forfeiture and subsequent disbursement of the proceeds from the bond if the applicant fails to
             474      comply with the requirements of this chapter or rules made under this chapter relating to the
             475      promotion or conduct of the contest or promotion.
             476          (4) The commission may approve or deny approval to hold a contest or promotion
             477      permitted under this chapter. Approval shall be granted upon a determination by the commission
             478      that:
             479          (a) the promoter of the contest or promotion is properly licensed;
             480          (b) a bond meeting the requirements of Subsection (3) has been posted by the promoter
             481      of the contest or promotion; and
             482          (c) the contest or promotion will be held in accordance with this chapter and rules made
             483      under this chapter.
             484          Section 15. Section 13-33-404 is enacted to read:
             485          13-33-404. Rules for the conduct of contests.
             486          (1) The commission shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of Title 63,
             487      Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the conduct of contests in the state.
             488          (2) The rules shall include authority for stopping contests, impounding purses with respect
             489      to contests when there is a question with respect to the contest, contestants, or any other licensee
             490      associated with the contest, and reasonable and necessary provisions to ensure that all obligations
             491      of a promoter with respect to any promotion or contest are paid in accordance with agreements
             492      made by the promoter.


             493          Section 16. Section 13-33-405 is enacted to read:
             494          13-33-405. HIV and drug tests.
             495          The commission shall adopt rules in accordance with the provisions of Title 63, Chapter
             496      46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act for HIV and drug testing of contestants which include:
             497          (1) provisions under which contestants shall produce evidence based upon competent
             498      laboratory examination that they are HIV negative as a condition of participating as a contestant
             499      in any contest; and
             500          (2) provisions under which contestants shall be subject to random drug testing before or
             501      after participation in a contest, and sanctions, including barring participation in a contest or
             502      withholding a percentage of any purse, that shall be placed against a contestant testing positive for
             503      alcohol or any other drug that in the opinion of the commission is inconsistent with the safe and
             504      competent participation of that contestant in a contest.
             505          Section 17. Section 13-33-501 is enacted to read:
             506     
Part 5. Miscellaneous Provisions

             507          13-33-501. Additional fee for funding of amateur boxing.
             508          (1) In addition to the payment of any other fees or taxes required by this chapter, a
             509      promoter shall pay to the commission a fee of $1.00 for each ticket sold for admission to a live
             510      contest or exhibition which is held in this state.
             511          (2) The money collected pursuant to Subsection (1) shall be used by the commission to
             512      award grants to organizations which promote amateur boxing in this state.
             513          (3) The commission shall adopt rules governing the manner in which:
             514          (a) the fees required by Subsection (1) must be paid;
             515          (b) applications for grants may be submitted to the commission; and
             516          (c) the standards to be used to award grants to organizations which promote amateur
             517      boxing in this state.
             518          Section 18. Section 13-33-502 is enacted to read:
             519          13-33-502. Reports to commission.
             520          (1) Every promoter shall, within 10 days after the completion of any contest or exhibition
             521      for which an admission fee is charged, furnish to the commission a verified written report showing:
             522          (a) the number of tickets sold or issued for the contest or exhibition;
             523          (b) the amount of the:


             524          (i) gross receipts from admission fees without any deductions for commissions, brokerage
             525      fees, distribution fees, advertising, contestants' purses, or any other expenses or charges; and
             526          (ii) gross receipts derived from the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting,
             527      motion picture, and television rights of such contest or exhibition without any deductions for
             528      commissions, brokerage fees, distribution fees, advertising, contestants' purses, or any other
             529      expenses or charges; and
             530          (c) any other matters prescribed by rule.
             531          (2) The promoter shall, at the same time as submitting the report required by Subsection
             532      (1), pay to the commission the fees required by Sections 13-33-304 and 13-33-501 .
             533          Section 19. Section 13-33-503 is enacted to read:
             534          13-33-503. Contracts.
             535          Before a contest is held, a copy of the signed contract or agreement between the promoter
             536      of the contest and each contestant shall be filed with the commission. Approval of the contract's
             537      terms and conditions shall be obtained from the commission as a condition precedent to the
             538      contest.
             539          Section 20. Section 13-33-504 is enacted to read:
             540          13-33-504. Withholding of purse.
             541          (1) The commission, the director, or any other agent authorized by the commission may
             542      order a promoter to withhold any part of a purse or other money belonging or payable to any
             543      contestant, manager, or second if, in the judgment of the commission, director or other agent:
             544          (a) the contestant is not competing honestly or to the best of his skill and ability or the
             545      contestant otherwise violates any rules adopted by the commission or any of the provisions of this
             546      chapter; or
             547          (b) the manager or second violates any rules adopted by the commission or any of the
             548      provisions of this chapter.
             549          (2) This section does not apply to any contestant in a wrestling exhibition who appears not
             550      to be competing honestly or to the best of his skill and ability.
             551          (3) Upon the withholding of any part of a purse or other money pursuant to this section,
             552      the commission shall immediately schedule a hearing on the matter, provide adequate notice to all
             553      interested parties, and dispose of the matter as promptly as possible.
             554          (4) If it is determined that a contestant, manager, or second is not entitled to any part of


             555      his share of the purse or other money, the promoter shall pay the money over to the commission.
             556          Section 21. Section 13-33-505 is enacted to read:
             557          13-33-505. Penalty for unlawful conduct.
             558          A person who engages in unlawful conduct, as defined in Section 13-33-102 , is guilty of
             559      a class A misdemeanor.
             560          Section 22. Section 13-33-506 is enacted to read:
             561          13-33-506. Exemptions.
             562          The provisions of this chapter do not apply to:
             563          (1) any amateur contests or exhibitions of unarmed combat or any combination thereof
             564      conducted by or participated in exclusively by any school, college, or university or by any
             565      association or organization of a school, college, or university, when each participant in the contests
             566      or exhibitions is a bona fide student in the school, college, or university; or
             567          (2) exhibitions of Oriental unarmed self-defense in which no dangerous blow is intended
             568      to be struck.
             569          Section 23. Repealer.
             570          This act repeals:
             571          Section 58-66-101, Title.
             572          Section 58-66-102, Definitions.
             573          Section 58-66-201, Commission.
             574          Section 58-66-301, Licensing.
             575          Section 58-66-302, Term of license -- Expiration -- Renewal.
             576          Section 58-66-303, Exemptions from licensure.
             577          Section 58-66-401, Grounds for denial of license -- Disciplinary proceedings.
             578          Section 58-66-501, Unlawful conduct.
             579          Section 58-66-502, Unprofessional conduct.
             580          Section 58-66-503, Ultimate fighting prohibited.
             581          Section 58-66-601, Authority.
             582          Section 58-66-602, Approval to hold contest.
             583          Section 58-66-603, Contracts.
             584          Section 58-66-604, Rules.
             585          Section 58-66-605, HIV testing -- Testing of body fluids of professional contestants --


             586      Sanctions for tests positive for alcohol or drugs.
             587          Section 58-66-606, Supervision of contests -- Payment of staff.
             588          Section 58-66-607, Disposition of monies withheld from purse of professional
             589      contestant.
             590          Section 58-66-608, Report of gross receipts -- 5% state event tax on gross receipts.




Legislative Review Note
    as of 11-28-00 9:41 AM


A limited legal review of this legislation raises no obvious constitutional or statutory concerns.

Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel


Committee Note

The Business, Labor, and Economic Development Interim Committee recommended this bill.


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