Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2601 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

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2	2	FILED ON: 2/6/2024
3	3	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2601
4	4	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
5	5	_______________
6	6	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
7	7	(2023-2024)
8	8	_______________
9	9	An Act establishing boxer protection.
10	10	Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
11	11	of the same, as follows:
12	12	1 SECTION 1. Section 12 of chapter 22 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
13	13	2Official Edition, is hereby repealed.
14	14	3 SECTION 2. Section 17 of chapter 23N of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
15	15	4amended in paragraph (2) by striking the figure “17.5” and inserting in place thereof the
16	16	5following:- “16.5”.
17	17	6 SECTION 3. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
18	18	7amended in paragraph (3) by striking the figure “27.5” and inserting in place thereof the
19	19	8following:- “25.5”.
20	20	9 SECTION 4. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
21	21	10amended in paragraph (4) by striking the figure “1” and inserting in place thereof the following:-
22	22	11“4”. 2 of 34
23	23	12 SECTION 5. Section 19 of said chapter 23N, as amended by section 13 of chapter 2 of
24	24	13the Acts of 2023, is hereby further amended in line 58 by striking the word “and” the second
25	25	14time it appears.
26	26	15 SECTION 6. Said section 19 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
27	27	16amended in paragraph (3) by inserting at the end thereof the following:-
28	28	17 “; and
29	29	18 (4) For a transfer to the State Athletic Commission Fund established pursuant to section
30	30	192AAAA of chapter 29 for the purpose of rebalancing any lost revenue from licensing fees
31	31	20waived in accordance with section 24 of chapter 23O”.
32	32	21 SECTION 7. The General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, are hereby
33	33	22amended by inserting after chapter 23N the following new chapter:-
34	34	23 Chapter 23O. The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission
35	35	24 Section 1. Definitions.
36	36	25 As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the
37	37	26context clearly requires otherwise:
38	38	27 “Affiliate”, a person who directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, or is under
39	39	28common control with, a specified person.
40	40	29 “Boxing”, the art of attack and defense with gloved fists practiced as a sport limited to
41	41	30legal blows above the waist and on the front or sides of the opponent. 3 of 34
42	42	31 “Business”, a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or
43	43	32any other organization formed for the purpose of carrying on a commercial enterprise.
44	44	33 “Chair”, the chair of the commission.
45	45	34 “Combat sports background”, a minimum of 10 years of documented experience in
46	46	35professional unarmed combative sports including, but not limited to: (i) a professional
47	47	36combatant, (ii) a licensed promoter, (iii) a licensed manager, (iv) a licensed referee, (v) a
48	48	37licensed judge or (vi) regulator.
49	49	38 “Commission”, the Massachusetts state athletic commission established in section 2.
50	50	39 “Executive director”, the executive director of the Massachusetts state athletic
51	51	40commission.
52	52	41 “Kickboxing”, a form of competition in which a person delivers blows with any part of
53	53	42the arm below the shoulder, including the hand and any part of the leg below the hip, including
54	54	43the foot.
55	55	44 “Mixed martial arts”, any form of unarmed combat involving the use of a combination of
56	56	45techniques including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking and striking, commonly associated
57	57	46with boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and various disciplines of the martial arts including, but not
58	58	47limited to, karate, kung fu, tae kwon-do, Jiu-Jitsu or any combination thereof.
59	59	48 “Person”, an individual, corporation, association, operation, firm, partnership, trust or
60	60	49other form of business association.
61	61	50 “Toughman”, a boxing or unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition in which
62	62	51combatants do not qualify for licensure by the commission as a professional combatant or for 4 of 34
63	63	52amateur status by a commission-approved amateur organization; provided, however, that
64	64	53“toughman” shall not include matches or exhibitions conducted pursuant to section 22.
65	65	54 “Unarmed combative sport”, any form of competition in which a blow is usually struck
66	66	55which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury and no weapon is used; provided, however,
67	67	56that “unarmed combative sport” shall not include professional wrestling.
68	68	57 “Youth sport”, any organized physical activity or athletic or sporting event in which the
69	69	58team or contestants are predominantly under the age of 18; provided, however, that “youth
70	70	59sports” shall not include, for the purposes of this chapter, any athletic or sporting event subject to
71	71	60the rules and regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association,
72	72	61Middle Level Athletic Committee of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association,
73	73	62National Collegiate Athletic Association or other governing body as determined by the
74	74	63commission.
75	75	64 “Youth sports background”, expertise in general athletics and youth sports; provided,
76	76	65however, that relevant experience may include, but not be limited to: (i) a prior role as athletic
77	77	66director in an educational setting or as program director of a youth sports program, or (ii)
78	78	67significant academic study in physical education or youth development.
79	79	68 Section 2. Massachusetts state athletic commission; duty, qualification, term and
80	80	69compensation of commissioners; divisions; executive leadership.
81	81	70 (a) There shall be a Massachusetts state athletic commission which shall consist of 5
82	82	71commissioners to be appointed by the governor, at least 1 of whom shall have a combat sports
83	83	72background in the sport of boxing, at least 1 of whom shall have a combat sports background in 5 of 34
84	84	73the sport of mixed martial arts, muay thai or kickboxing and at least 2 of whom shall have a
85	85	74youth sports background. The governor shall designate the chair of the commission.
86	86	75 (b) Each commissioner shall serve for a term of 5 years or until a successor is appointed
87	87	76and shall be eligible for reappointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of a
88	88	77commissioner shall be appointed in a like manner and shall serve for only the unexpired term of
89	89	78such commissioner. The governor may remove a commissioner if the commissioner: (i) is guilty
90	90	79of malfeasance in office; (ii) substantially neglects the duties of a commissioner; (iii) is unable to
91	91	80discharge the powers and duties of the commissioner’s office; or (iv) commits gross misconduct.
92	92	81 (c) Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of 3
93	93	82commissioners shall be required for an action of the commission; provided, however, that the
94	94	83affirmative vote of at least 1 commissioner with a youth sports background shall be required for
95	95	84any action of the commission with regard to the youth sports division. The chair or 3 members of
96	96	85the commission may call a meeting; provided, however, that notice of all meetings shall be given
97	97	86to each commissioner and to other persons who request such notice. The commission shall adopt
98	98	87regulations establishing procedures, which may include electronic communications, by which a
99	99	88request to receive notice shall be made and the method by which timely notice may be given.
100	100	89 (d) Commissioners shall receive salaries not greater than three quarters of the salary of
101	101	90the commissioner of administration under section 4 of chapter 7; provided, however, that the
102	102	91chair shall receive a salary equal to the salary of the commissioner of administration.
103	103	92Commissioners shall devote their full time and attention to the duties of their office.
104	104	93 (e) Commissioners shall receive compensation for traveling expenses necessarily
105	105	94incurred in the performance of their duties and shall be allowed such sums for clerical assistance 6 of 34
106	106	95as the commission may approve; provided, however, that the commission may designate 1 or
107	107	96more employees to represent the commission at any match or exhibited held under this chapter;
108	108	97provided further, that the commission may approve that such employee receives compensation
109	109	98for travel and incidental expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties; and
110	110	99provided further, that the commission shall establish a comprehensive employee accountability
111	111	100and internal control system that closely aligns with the human resources division’s rules and
112	112	101policies established pursuant to section 28 of chapter 7 for employees and managers not subject
113	113	102to collective bargaining under chapter 150E which takes into account rates set by the United
114	114	103States General Services Administration for similar services when determining the maximum
115	115	104reimbursable rate for such travel and incidental expenses.
116	116	105 (f) The commission shall annually elect 1 of its members to serve as secretary and 1 of its
117	117	106members to serve as treasurer. The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the
118	118	107commission and shall be the custodian and keeper of the records of all books, documents and
119	119	108papers filed by the commission and of its minute book. The secretary shall cause copies to be
120	120	109made of all minutes and other records and documents of the commission and shall certify that
121	121	110such copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the commission may rely upon such
122	122	111certification. No funds shall be transferred by the commission without the approval of the
123	123	112commission and the signature of the treasurer.
124	124	113 (g) The chair shall have and exercise supervision and control over all the affairs of the
125	125	114commission. The chair shall preside at all hearings at which the chair is present and shall
126	126	115designate a commissioner to act as chair in the chair’s absence. To promote efficiency in
127	127	116administration, the chair shall, from time to time, make such division or re-division of the work
128	128	117of the commission among the commissioners as the chair deems expedient. 7 of 34
129	129	118 (h) All of the commissioners shall, if so directed by the chair, participate in the hearing
130	130	119and decision of any matter before the commission; provided, however, that at least 2
131	131	120commissioners shall participate in the hearing and decision of matters other than those of formal
132	132	121or administrative character coming before the commission; provided further, that at least 1
133	133	122commissioner with a youth sports background shall participate in any such matters concerning
134	134	123youth sports; and provided further, that any such matter may be heard, examined and
135	135	124investigated by an employee of the commission designed and assigned by the chair, with the
136	136	125concurrence of 1 other commissioner. Such employee shall make a report in writing relative to
137	137	126the hearing, examination and investigation of every such matter to the commission for its
138	138	127decision. For the purposes of hearing, examining and investigating any such matter, such
139	139	128employee shall have all of the powers conferred upon a commissioner by this section. For each
140	140	129hearing, the concurrence of a majority of the commissions participating in the decision shall be
141	141	130necessary.
142	142	131 (i) The commission shall appoint an executive director. The executive director shall serve
143	143	132at the pleasure of the commission, shall receive such salary as may be determined by the
144	144	133commission, and shall devote full time and attention to the duties of the office. The executive
145	145	134director shall be a person with skill and experience in management and shall be the executive and
146	146	135administrative head of the commission. The executive director shall be responsible for
147	147	136administering and enforcing the provisions of law relative to the commission and to each
148	148	137administrative unit thereof and shall serve as the commission’s liaison to the governor and
149	149	138general court.
150	150	139 (j) The executive director may, from time to time and subject to the approval of the
151	151	140commission, establish within the commission such administrative units as may be necessary for 8 of 34
152	152	141the efficient and economical administration of the commission and, when necessary for such
153	153	142purpose, may abolish any such administrative unit or may merge any 2 or more units; provided,
154	154	143however, that the commission shall at all times retain a division of combat sports responsible for
155	155	144discharging the duties of sections 4 to 23, inclusive, and a division of youth sports responsible
156	156	145for discharging the duties of section 24. The executive director shall prepare and keep current a
157	157	146plan of organization of the commission, of the assignment of its functions to its various
158	158	147administrative units, office and employees and of the place at which and the methods by which
159	159	148the public may receive information or make requests. A current copy of the plan of organization
160	160	149shall be kept on file with the state secretary and in the office of the secretary of administration
161	161	150and finance.
162	162	151 (k) The executive director shall appoint and employ the following positions:
163	163	152 (i) General counsel, who shall provide legal advice, ensure adherence to all applicable
164	164	153general and special laws and represent the commission in legal proceedings;
165	165	154 (ii) A compliance officer, who shall monitor adherence to any applicable state regulations
166	166	155at all events licensed by the commission, collaborate with promoters and ensure that events align
167	167	156with licensing agreements entered into under this chapter; provided, however, that the
168	168	157compliance officer shall have a combat sports background or experience in regulatory roles
169	169	158within athletics;
170	170	159 (iii) A chief of communications and economic development, who shall prioritize national
171	171	160promotion, venue support, strategic partnerships, public relations, economic impact analysis,
172	172	161community development or any duties as may be assigned by the executive director; 9 of 34
173	173	162 (iv) A chief of the combat sports division, who shall have a combat sports background in
174	174	163the commonwealth; and
175	175	164 (v) A chief of the youth sports division, who shall have a youth sports background in the
176	176	165commonwealth.
177	177	166 (l) The executive director may, subject to the approval of the commission, employ
178	178	167additional employees, consultants, agents and advisors and shall attend meetings of the
179	179	168commission. In the case of an absence of vacancy in the office of the executive director or in the
180	180	169case of disability as determined by the commission, the commission may designate an active
181	181	170executive director to serve as executive director until the vacancy is filled or the absence or
182	182	171disability ceases. The acting executive director shall have all of the powers and duties of the
183	183	172executive director and shall have similar qualification as the executive director.
184	184	173 (m) The executive director may appoint such persons as the executive director shall
185	185	174consider necessary to perform the functions of the commission; provided, however, that chapter
186	186	17531 and section 9A of chapter 30 shall not apply to commission employees. If an employee
187	187	176serving in a position which is classified under said chapter 31 or in which an employee has
188	188	177tenure by reason of said section 9A of said chapter 30 shall be appointed to a position within the
189	189	178commission which is not subject to said chapter 31, the employee shall, upon termination of
190	190	179service in such position, be restored to the position which the employee held immediately prior
191	191	180to such appointment; provided however, that the employee’s service in such position shall be
192	192	181determined by the civil service commission in accordance with the standards applied by that
193	193	182commission in administering said section 9A of said chapter 30 and without loss of seniority,
194	194	183retirement or other rights to which uninterrupted service in such prior position would have 10 of 34
195	195	184entitled such employee. During the period of such appointment, each person so appointed from a
196	196	185position in the classified civil service shall be eligible to take any competitive promotional
197	197	186examination for which such person would otherwise have been eligible. Employees of the
198	198	187commission, including employees working in the bureau, shall be classified as group 1 pursuant
199	199	188to paragraph (g) of subdivision (2) of section 3 of chapter 32.
200	200	189 (n) (1) The commission shall require a prospective employee to: (i) submit an application
201	201	190and a personal disclosure on a form prescribed by the commission which shall include a
202	202	191complete criminal history, including convictions and current charges for all felonies and
203	203	192misdemeanors; (ii) undergo testing which detects the presence of illegal substances in the body;
204	204	193(iii) provide fingerprints and a photograph consistent with standards adopted by the state police;
205	205	194and (iv) provide authorization for the commission to conduct a background check. The
206	206	195commission shall verify the identification, employment and education of each prospective
207	207	196employee, including: (i) legal name, including any alias; (ii) all secondary and post-secondary
208	208	197educational institutions attended regardless of graduation status; and (iii) employment history.
209	209	198 (2) The commission shall not hire a prospective employee if the prospective employee
210	210	199has: (i) been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving a minor; (ii) had prior
211	211	200involvement with any violation of the provisions of chapters 23K or 23N; (iii) been dismissed
212	212	201from prior employment for gross misconduct or incompetence; or (iv) intentionally made a false
213	213	202statement concerning a material fact in connection with the prospective employee’s application
214	214	203to the commission. If an employee is charged with a felony or misdemeanor while employed by
215	215	204the commission, the commission shall suspend the employee, with or without pay, and may
216	216	205terminate employment with the commission upon conviction if, in the discretion of the 11 of 34
217	217	206commission, the offense for which the employee has been convicted bears a close relationship to
218	218	207the duties and responsibilities of the position held with the commission.
219	219	208 (o) Chapters 268A and 268B shall apply to the commissioners and to employees of the
220	220	209commission; provided, however, that the commission shall establish a code of ethics for all
221	221	210members and employees that shall be at least as restrictive as said chapters 268A and 268B. A
222	222	211copy of the code shall be filed with the state ethics commission. The code shall include
223	223	212provisions reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter and any other laws
224	224	213subject to the jurisdiction of the commission including, but not limited to: (i) prohibiting the
225	225	214receipt of gifts by commissioners and employees from any combat sports or youth sports
226	226	215licensee, affiliate or other person or entity subject to the jurisdiction of the commission; (ii)
227	227	216prohibiting the participation by commissioners and employees in a particular matter as defined in
228	228	217section 1 of said chapter 268A that affects the financial interest of a relative within the third
229	229	218degree of consanguinity or a person with whom such commissioner or employee has a significant
230	230	219relationship as defined in the code; and (iii) providing for recusal of a commissioner in any
231	231	220decision of the commission due to a potential or perceived conflict of interest; provided,
232	232	221however, that a commissioner’s or employee’s involvement with a youth sports team or
233	233	222organization shall not be cause for a conflict of interest if said commissioner or employee is
234	234	223involved solely as the parent of an athlete, a volunteer coach, or a volunteer trainer; and provided
235	235	224further, that any such relationship shall be disclosed to the state ethics commission.
236	236	225 (p) No employee of the commission shall pursue any other business or occupation or
237	237	226other gainful employment outside of the commission without the prior written approval of the
238	238	227commission that such employment will not interfere or be in conflict with the employee’s duties
239	239	228to the commission. 12 of 34
240	240	229 (q) No commissioner shall hold a direct or indirect interest in, or be employed by, a
241	241	230person licensed by the commission for a period of 3 years after the termination of employment
242	242	231with the commission.
243	243	232 (r) No employee of the commission shall acquire an interest in, or accept employment
244	244	233with, a person licensed by the commission for a period of 1 year after the termination of
245	245	234employment with the commission.
246	246	235 (s) The commissioners and those employees holding major policymaking positions shall
247	247	236be sworn to the faithful performance of their official duties. The commissioners and those
248	248	237employees holding major policymaking positions shall: (i) conduct themselves in a manner so as
249	249	238to render decisions that are fair and impartial and in the public interest; (ii) avoid impropriety and
250	250	239the appearance of impropriety in all matters under their jurisdiction; (iii) avoid all prohibited
251	251	240communications; (iv) require staff and personnel subject to their direction and control to observe
252	252	241the same standards of fidelity and diligence; (v) disqualify themselves from proceedings in
253	253	242which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned; and (vi) refrain from financial or
254	254	243business dealings which would tend to reflect adversely on impartiality.
255	255	244 (t) Neither the commission nor any of its officers, agents, employees, consultants or
256	256	245advisors shall be subject to sections 9A, 45, 46 and 52 of chapter 30, chapter 31 or to chapter 200
257	257	246of the acts of 1976.
258	258	247 (u) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall be a commission for the purposes
259	259	248of section 3 of chapter 12.
260	260	249 Section 3. Powers of the commission. 13 of 34
261	261	250 The commission shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate
262	262	251its purposes including, but not limited to, the power to:
263	263	252 (1) appoint officers and hire employees;
264	264	253 (2) establish, and from time to time amend, a plan of organization that it considers
265	265	254expedient;
266	266	255 (3) execute all instruments necessary or convenient for accomplishing the purposes of
267	267	256this chapter;
268	268	257 (4) enter into agreements or other transactions with a person, including, but not limited
269	269	258to, a public entity or other governmental instrumentality or authority in connection with its
270	270	259powers and duties under this chapter;
271	271	260 (5) appear on its own behalf before boards, commissions, departments or other agencies
272	272	261of municipal, state or federal government;
273	273	262 (6) apply for and accept subventions, grants, loans, advances and contributions of money,
274	274	263property, labor or other things of value from any source, to be held, used and applied for its
275	275	264purposes;
276	276	265 (7) provide and pay for advisory services and technical assistance that may be necessary
277	277	266in its judgment to carry out this chapter and fix the compensation of persons providing such
278	278	267services or assistance;
279	279	268 (8) prepare, publish and distribute, with or without charge as the commission may
280	280	269determine, such studies, reports, bulletins and other materials as the commission considers
281	281	270appropriate; 14 of 34
282	282	271 (9) require an applicant for a position which requires a license under this chapter to apply
283	283	272for such license and approve or disapprove any such application or other transactions, events and
284	284	273processes as provided in this chapter;
285	285	274 (10) deny an application or limit, condition, restrict, revoke or suspend a license,
286	286	275registration, finding of suitability or approval, or fine a person licensed, registered, found
287	287	276suitable or approved for any cause that the commission deems reasonable;
288	288	277 (11) gather facts and information applicable to the commission’s obligation to issue,
289	289	278suspend or revoke licenses, work permits or registrations for: (i) a violation of this chapter or any
290	290	279regulation adopted by the commission; (ii) willfully violating an order of the commission
291	291	280directed to a licensee; (iii) the conviction of a criminal offense; or (iv) the violation of any other
292	292	281offense which would disqualify such a licensee from holding a license, work permit or
293	293	282registration;
294	294	283 (12) conduct investigations into the qualifications of all applicants for employment by the
295	295	284commission and by any regulated entity and all applications for licensure;
296	296	285 (13) request and receive from the state police, the criminal history systems board or other
297	297	286criminal justice agencies including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
298	298	287the Internal Revenue Service, such criminal offender record information relating to criminal and
299	299	288background investigations as necessary for the purpose of evaluating employees of, and
300	300	289applicants for employment by, the commission and any regulated entity, and evaluating licensees
301	301	290and applicants for licensure under this chapter;
302	302	291 (14) levy and collect assessments, fees and fines and impose penalties and sanctions for a
303	303	292violation of this chapter or any regulations promulgating by the commission; 15 of 34
304	304	293 (15) collect taxes and fees under this chapter;
305	305	294 (16) restrict, suspend or revoke licenses issued under this chapter;
306	306	295 (17) conduct adjudicatory proceedings and promulgate regulations in accordance with
307	307	296chapter 30A;
308	308	297 (18) refer cases for criminal prosecution to the appropriate federal, state or local
309	309	298resources;
310	310	299 (19) issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses at any place within the
311	311	300commonwealth, administer oaths and require testimony under oath before the commission in the
312	312	301course of an investigation or hearing conducted under this chapter;
313	313	302 (20) maintain an official internet website for the commission;
314	314	303 (21) adopt, amend or repeal regulations for the implementation, administration and
315	315	304enforcement of this chapter; and
316	316	305 (22) act as trustees for the Boxers’ Fund established in section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29
317	317	306and the State Athletic Commission Fund established in section 2AAAA of said chapter 29.
318	318	307 Section 4. Necessity of license to hold boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
319	319	308unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition.
320	320	309 (a) No boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event
321	321	310or sparring match or exhibition for a prize or purse, or at which an admission fee is charged,
322	322	311either directly or indirectly, in the form of dues or otherwise, whether professional or amateur,
323	323	312shall take place or be conducted except in accordance with a license granted as hereinafter 16 of 34
324	324	313provided by the commission. Applications for a license shall be accompanied by the fee, as
325	325	314established annually the commissioner of administration and finance pursuant to section 3B of
326	326	315chapter 7, which may take into consideration the population of the city or town or the seating
327	327	316capacity of the building or place in which the match or exhibition is to be held; provided,
328	328	317however, that a license, the fee for which is established on the basis of seating capacity of a
329	329	318building or place as aforesaid, shall be exercised only in such building or place. Toughman or
330	330	319similar type matches or exhibitions shall be prohibited. In the case of exhibitions or bouts held in
331	331	320accordance with the rules and regulations of amateur organizations as may be approved by the
332	332	321commission, the commission may issue special licenses without the requirement of a bond as
333	333	322provided in section 6 or payment of the annual fee.
334	334	323 (b) Any persons holding, conducting, promoting or participating in a match or exhibition
335	335	324held without a license, as provided in section 5, or a toughman or similar type match or
336	336	325exhibition, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3
337	337	326months or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both such fine and imprisonment.
338	338	327 (c) Matches or exhibitions under the governance of the Massachusetts Interscholastic
339	339	328Athletic Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any equivalent school or
340	340	329college organization shall be exempt from the requirements of this section if the competitors are
341	341	330amateurs; provided, however, that any such match or exhibition that the commission determines
342	342	331to be a youth sport shall be subject to the licensing requirements contained herein. In the case of
343	343	332such a youth sport, the commission may, at its discretion, issue a special license without the
344	344	333requirement of a bond as provided in section 6 or payment of the annual fee. 17 of 34
345	345	334 (d) A license may be granted to an applicant under this chapter, notwithstanding the
346	346	335social security number requirements of section 13A of chapter 30A; provided, however, that the
347	347	336applicant provides a form of identification sufficient to identify the applicant.
348	348	337 Section 5. Issuance and term of license; revocation of license; issuance of license for
349	349	338toughman competition prohibited.
350	350	339 In accordance with this chapter, the commission may issue licenses to conduct boxing,
351	351	340kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches
352	352	341and exhibitions. The license shall be valid only for the date approved by the commission. The
353	353	342commission may revoke the license at any time in the interest of public safety. No license shall
354	354	343be issued for a toughman competition or similar event.
355	355	344 Section 6. Bond
356	356	345 Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (c) of section 4, no license as
357	357	346aforesaid shall be granted unless the licensee has executed and filed with the commission a bond
358	358	347in a penal sum of $50,000, with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the commission,
359	359	348running to the commission, conditioned upon the payment to the commonwealth of the sums
360	360	349mentioned in section 15, and upon faithful compliance by the licensee with the provisions of this
361	361	350chapter, the rules and regulations of the commission and with such other laws of the
362	362	351commonwealth and may be applicable to anything done by the licensee in pursuance of the
363	363	352license. The commission may enforce the terms of the bond for the use and benefit of any person
364	364	353who may suffer loss by reason of the failure by the licensee to carry out terms of the bout
365	365	354agreement or due to acts of the licensee determined to be detrimental to combat sports. The bond
366	366	355shall also provide for a forfeiture to the commonwealth, recoverable at the suit of the attorney 18 of 34
367	367	356general, of each sum, not exceeding $10,000, as may be stipulated in the bond for each case of
368	368	357non-compliance.
369	369	358 Section 7. Licenses for physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional
370	370	359boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or a
371	371	360manager, trainer or second of such a contestant; fees.
372	372	361 No person shall act, directly or indirectly, as a physician, promoter, referee, judge,
373	373	362timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
374	374	363combative sport contestant, or as a manager, trainer or second of such a contestant, at a match or
375	375	364exhibition or as a matchmaker therefore, unless licensed by the commission upon receipt of the
376	376	365classified fee to be determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance
377	377	366under section 3B of chapter 7. The commission shall set minimum requirements for licensure
378	378	367based upon skill or other fundamental prerequisites deemed necessary to adequately and safely
379	379	368execute the functions of the respective position. The commission may refuse to license any
380	380	369individual who does not meet those requirements or whose safety and well-being it determines
381	381	370will be put at substantial risk by engaging in their respective position. Whoever acts in such
382	382	371capacity, without being so license shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000. Any
383	383	372official who desires to officiate without charge at amateur boxing or sparring matching or
384	384	373exhibitions shall be licensed without charge. In accordance with section 12, the commission may
385	385	374license an individual who is under 18 years of age without charge.
386	386	375 Section 8. Amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
387	387	376events, sparring matches and exhibitions; acknowledgment of rules and regulations of amateur 19 of 34
388	388	377governing body; licensing of amateur referees, judges and officials; limitation on number and
389	389	378timing of competitions; gloves.
390	390	379 (1) Notwithstanding section 9, the commission shall, in the conduct of all amateur
391	391	380boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and
392	392	381exhibitions sanctioned by the national governing body and its local affiliate which are appointed
393	393	382and recognized by the United States Olympic Committee for such purposes, acknowledge and
394	394	383follow the rules and regulations of the amateur governing bodies.
395	395	384 (2) No amateur match which is subject to section 4 shall be held unless it is licensed by
396	396	385the commission and sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved
397	397	386by the commission.
398	398	387 (3) The commission shall recognize and license, upon receipt of the classified fee to be
399	399	388determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance of section 3B of chapter
400	400	3897, the amateur referees, judges and other amateur officials assigned to the amateur matches or
401	401	390exhibitions by the amateur governing bodies and certified under their rules and regulations.
402	402	391 (4) The commission shall cooperate fully with the amateur boxing governing bodies to
403	403	392assure that amateur boxers are eligible to participate and compete for selection to the United
404	404	393States Olympic boxing team.
405	405	394 (5) No contestant in amateur boxing shall compete in more than 2 tournaments in any 7-
406	406	395day period, nor shall the contestant participate in more than 3 contests in a period of 13 hours.
407	407	396All amateur boxing or sparring matches or exhibitions shall terminate not later than 12:30 a.m.
408	408	397on the day following the start of the match. 20 of 34
409	409	398 (6) During a contest, contestants in amateur boxing or kickboxing matches or exhibitions
410	410	399shall wear gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur
411	411	400boxing governing body. During a contest, contestants in amateur mixed martial arts and other
412	412	401unarmed combative sport matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces
413	413	402each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur governing body.
414	414	403 Section 9. Necessity of referee and judges; power and duties; vote; decision; forfeitures;
415	415	404fees of officials; payment
416	416	405 (a) At every boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
417	417	406event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance a referee, duly licensed under this
418	418	407section and sections 7 and 8. There shall also be in attendance at least 3 duly-licensed judges,
419	419	408each of whom shall, at the termination of a match or exhibition, vote for the contestant in whose
420	420	409favor the decision should, in their opinion, be rendered or, for a draw if, in their opinion, neither
421	421	410contestant is entitled to a decision in their favor and the decision shall be rendered in favor of the
422	422	411contestant receiving a majority of the votes or, if neither receives a majority as aforementioned, a
423	423	412decision of a draw shall be rendered. Upon the rendering of a decision, the vote of each judge
424	424	413shall be announced from the ring. The referee shall have full power to stop the match or
425	425	414exhibition whenever they deem it advisable because of the physical condition of a contestant or
426	426	415when 1 contestant is clearly outclassed by their opponent or for other sufficient reason.
427	427	416 (b) The commission shall set forth rules and regulations for contracts between a manager
428	428	417and an unarmed combatant and contracts between a promoter and an unarmed combatant. An
429	429	418unarmed combatant may not enter into a contract with a manager or a promoter unless it is filed
430	430	419with the commission prior to a scheduled contest in an amount of time set forth by the 21 of 34
431	431	420commission. The commission shall only honor a contract that is executed and notarized on a
432	432	421form provided by the commission, unless the terms of the contract comply with the requirements
433	433	422set forth by the commission.
434	434	423 (c) The commission shall be the sole arbiter of a breach of contract and may establish
435	435	424rules governing breach of contract dispute resolution. If during a contest, a contestant is believed
436	436	425to not be competing in good faith, a member of the commission or their designee shall withhold
437	437	426any prize, remuneration or purse until a hearing can be held. The commission shall at a hearing
438	438	427following the contest declare forfeited any prize, remuneration or purse or any part thereof,
439	439	428belonging to a contestant if, in the judgment of a majority of the commissioners, after
440	440	429consultation with the judges and the referee, the contestant was not competing in good faith.
441	441	430 (d) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter or who conducts themselves at any
442	442	431time or place in a manner which is deemed by the commission to reflect discredit to any unarmed
443	443	432combative sports, may have their license revoked and fined, suspended or otherwise disciplined
444	444	433in such manner as the commission may direct.
445	445	434 Section 10. Necessity of physician; duties; qualifications; fees; certificate of contestant’s
446	446	435fitness
447	447	436 At any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
448	448	437event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance at least 1 duly licensed physician,
449	449	438whose duty it shall be to observe the physical condition of the contestants and advise the referee
450	450	439or judges with regard thereto. A competent physician who has at least 3 years of experience as a
451	451	440medical practitioners may be licensed. No contestant shall be allowed to enter the ring unless a
452	452	441physician licensed under this section and section 7 certifies in writing that the contestant is 22 of 34
453	453	442physically fit to engage in the proposed contest. The physician’s fee, as fixed by the commission,
454	454	443shall be paid by the licensee conducting the match or exhibition.
455	455	444 Section 11. Number and time of rounds; frequency of tournaments or contests; gloves;
456	456	445protective devices
457	457	446 No boxing, kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall
458	458	447exceed 10 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship, it may exceed
459	459	448the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No mixed martial arts match or
460	460	449exhibition shall exceed 3 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship,
461	461	450it may exceed the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No round in a boxing,
462	462	451kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall exceed 3 minutes. No
463	463	452round in a mixed martial arts match or exhibition shall exceed 5 minutes. No contestant in a
464	464	453professional match or exhibition shall participate in more than 10 rounds unless otherwise
465	465	454authorized by the commission, as the case may be, during a 72-hour period. During a contest,
466	466	455contestants in professional boxing and kickboxing matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves
467	467	456weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the commission. During a
468	468	457contest, contestants in mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sporting events, matches
469	469	458or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by
470	470	459the commission. Every contestant participating in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
471	471	460other unarmed combative sporting event or exhibition shall be required to wear standard
472	472	461protective devices as outlined by regulation by the commission.
473	473	462 Section 12. Ages of contestants and persons admitted to matches 23 of 34
474	474	463 (a) Except as hereinafter provided, no contestant under 18 years of age or over 34 years
475	475	464of age shall be permitted to engage in a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed
476	476	465combative sport event, sparring match or exhibition, except that the age requirement shall not
477	477	466apply to a world boxing champion who is still actively engaged as a professional boxer, or to a
478	478	467former boxing champion of the world who has not been inactive as a professional boxer for more
479	479	468than 2 years from the date of their last boxing contest; provided, however, that an amateur boxer
480	480	469shall be allowed to compete as such at the age of 16. At the discretion of the commission, a
481	481	470professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combat sports
482	482	471contest over the age of 34 may be permitted to engage in a match if the contestant has passed a
483	483	472physical examination or is otherwise medically cleared to participate by a physician selected by
484	484	473the commission. At the discretion of the commission, an amateur boxer who is 16 or 17 years of
485	485	474age may be licensed as a professional boxer. The foregoing shall not apply to courses of
486	486	475instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sports
487	487	476sponsored and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organizations, private clubs
488	488	477and athletic associations, schools or colleges, municipal or state park or recreational departments,
489	489	478law enforcement organizations or incorporated, private, nonprofit boxing teams, under the
490	490	479supervision of qualified instructors and directors; provided, however, that at the discretion of the
491	491	480commission the requirements relative to amateur boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
492	492	481unarmed combative sports under sections 4 to 23, inclusive, may apply to such courses of
493	493	482instruction and any related matches or exhibitions.
494	494	483 (b) No person under the age of 16 shall be admitted to, or be present at, a professional
495	495	484match or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult. 24 of 34
496	496	485 Section 13. Boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative
497	497	486sport contestant previously knocked out six or more times
498	498	487 No professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
499	499	488combative sport contestant licensed under section 7 who has been knocked out, technically or
500	500	489otherwise, or lost a contest by way of submission, 6 or more times in the preceding 12 months
501	501	490shall take part in a match or exhibition until they have been examined and found fit to take part
502	502	491in a match or exhibition, by a physician selected by the commission, at a place and time
503	503	492designated by the commission. The cost of conducting the examination shall be borne by the
504	504	493contestant. If a contestant is found unfit to engage in a match or exhibition, they shall be
505	505	494excluded from participation for 3 months, after which time they may make a request to the
506	506	495commission for another physical examination. A license issued to an individual under section 7
507	507	496shall be immediately suspended for at least 30 days if the individual is knocked out.
508	508	497 Section 14. Insurance on contestants
509	509	498 A person licensed under section 5 to conduct boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
510	510	499other unarmed combative sport events, sparring matches or exhibitions, except those persons to
511	511	500whom a special license may be granted thereunder without the requirement of a bond or payment
512	512	501of the annual fee, shall take out a policy of accident insurance on each contestant participating in
513	513	502the match or exhibition in the amount of $5,000 to compensate said contestant for medical and
514	514	503hospital expenses incurred as the result of injuries received in such match or exhibition and a
515	515	504policy in the amount of $50,000 to be paid to the estate of the deceased contestant in the event of
516	516	505death to the contestant resulting from participation in the match or exhibition. The premiums on
517	517	506the policies shall be paid by the licensee. 25 of 34
518	518	507 Section 15. Percentage of receipts paid to commonwealth; reports to commission; filing
519	519	508of contracts entered into for sale, lease or exploitation of broadcasting rights; enforcement
520	520	509 (a) Every licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
521	521	510other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or other unarmed combative sporting
522	522	511event, sparring match or exhibition shall, before the commencement of the final feature bout of
523	523	512the event, pay to the commission a sum equal to 5 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
524	524	513sale of tickets or from admission fees. The licensee shall pay to the commission an additional
525	525	514sum equal to 2 per cent of the total gross receipts generated by the sale, lease or other
526	526	515exploitation of the television, pay-per-view, motion picture or other broadcasting rights,
527	527	516regardless of whether the event is broadcast live or in the future, such sum to be paid by the
528	528	517licensee whether or not the licensee ever receives a portion of that amount; provided, however,
529	529	518that if the match or exhibition is conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment
530	530	519of a different character, the portion of the total receipts and the total amount shall be paid to the
531	531	520commonwealth, as the commission may determine or as may be fixed by rule adopted by the
532	532	521commission. If the payment is for a fixed amount, payment shall be made 24 hours prior to the
533	533	522event but in no event shall payment be made later than 48 hours after the live event. Pay-per-
534	534	523view showings of an event more than 48 hours after the live event shall be exempt from the
535	535	524requirements of this section. The broadcasting fee imposed under this section shall be not more
536	536	525than $75,000 per event. Within 72 hours after its conclusion, the licensee shall furnish to the
537	537	526commonwealth a report, showing the exact number of tickets sold and admission fees collected
538	538	527for the contest, the gross receipts thereof and such other data as the commission may require.
539	539	528 (b) A licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
540	540	529unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition shall, at least 48 hours before a 26 of 34
541	541	530licensed contest or exhibition, file with the commission a copy of all contracts entered into for
542	542	531the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting rights for the contest or exhibition. All
543	543	532contracts filed with the commission under this section shall be exempt from disclosure in section
544	544	53310 of chapter 66. The commission shall enforce this section.
545	545	534 Section 16. Boxers’ Fund
546	546	535 Every licensee holding or conducting any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
547	547	536unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition shall, before the
548	548	537commencement of the feature bout of the event, pay to the state treasurer, in addition to the
549	549	538payment required under section 15, a sum equal to 1 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
550	550	539sale or tickets or from admission fees; provided, however, that if the match or exhibition is
551	551	540conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment of a different character, the
552	552	541portion of the total receipts shall be paid to the commonwealth as the commission may
553	553	542determine. Such sums shall be credited by the state treasurer to the Boxers’ Fund established
554	554	543pursuant to section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29.
555	555	544 Section 17. Number of persons admitted; limitation
556	556	545 No licensee under section 5 shall sell or cause to be sold or issued more tickets or
557	557	546invitations purporting to admit to any such match or exhibition, or otherwise admit to the same,
558	558	547more persons than are admissible according to the authorized capacity of the building, or part
559	559	548thereof actually used therefor.
560	560	549 Section 18. Revocation or suspension of license; administrative penalty 27 of 34
561	561	550 (a) Any license may be revoked or suspended by the commission for a violation of any
562	562	551provision of this chapter or of any other law of the commonwealth or of any rule or regulation
563	563	552adopted by the commission or whenever the licensee has, in the judgment of the commission,
564	564	553been guilty of any act or offense detrimental to the public interest.
565	565	554 (b) The commission may suspend a license of a combatant issued under section 7 without
566	566	555a hearing upon a finding that it would be unsafe for the individual to compete until either the
567	567	556passing of a fixed period of time or upon medical clearance. The commission may assess an
568	568	557administrative penalty not to exceed $2,000 for each violation of this chapter or the
569	569	558commission’s rules and regulations committed by an individual required to be licensed herein.
570	570	559 Section 19. Financial interest of licensee in boxer; prepayment of contestant
571	571	560 No licensee under section 5 shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in a
572	572	561boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant
573	573	562competing on premises owned or leased by the licensee, or in which the licensee is otherwise
574	574	563interested. No contestant in a match or exhibition shall be paid for services before the same are
575	575	564rendered.
576	576	565 Section 20. Enjoining unlicensed or illegal matches
577	577	566 The superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon any information filed by the
578	578	567commission, the attorney general, the district attorney for the district where a match or exhibition
579	579	568is held or is announced to be held, the police authorities of the city or town where a match or
580	580	569exhibition is held or is announced to be held, or by any five legal voters of the commonwealth
581	581	570stating that a certain building, tenement or place is used for matches or exhibitions, whether
582	582	571professional or amateur, by an individual, group, partnership, club, corporation or association not 28 of 34
583	583	572licensed under section 5 or contrary to any provision of this sections 4 to 23, inclusive, or that a
584	584	573match or exhibition is being advertised or announced, or has been advertised or announced, to
585	585	574take place in a certain building or place, or that a certain individual, club, corporation or
586	586	575association is selling, exchanging or giving away tickets, tokens or symbols purporting to entitle
587	587	576the holder to the right or privilege of attending a certain match or exhibition not licensed by the
588	588	577commission and contrary to the provisions of this chapter to enjoin and abate the same as a
589	589	578common nuisance.
590	590	579 Section 21. Prohibition of licensed event by municipality; notice of exercise of municipal
591	591	580option
592	592	581 The commission shall notify a municipality in writing of the issuance of a license for an
593	593	582event scheduled to take place therein within 24 hours of said issuance. At its option, a
594	594	583municipality may prohibit an event licensed by the commission under section 5. The prohibition
595	595	584shall be by a majority vote of the city council with approval of the mayor in a city or by a
596	596	585majority vote of the select board in a town. The municipal option shall be exercised within 7
597	597	586days of issuance of a license by the commission. The municipality shall notify the commission
598	598	587within 24 hours of any such action. Upon receipt of such notice, the commission shall
599	599	588immediately notify the promoter of the determination of the municipality and the license shall be
600	600	589revoked.
601	601	590 Section 22. Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other
602	602	591unarmed combative sports or matches or exhibitions sponsored by youth organizations, private
603	603	592clubs, law enforcement agencies, etc. 29 of 34
604	604	593 Except as otherwise provided herein, courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed
605	605	594martial arts and other unarmed combative sports, or sparring matches or exhibitions sponsored
606	606	595and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organization, private clubs and athletic
607	607	596associations, schools and colleges, law enforcement agencies or municipal or state parks and
608	608	597recreation departments, under the supervision of qualified instructors and directors, shall not
609	609	598require a license under section 5 to be conducted; provided, however, that the commission may
610	610	599at its discretion require a match or exhibition under this section to procure a license under section
611	611	6005 if such match or exhibition is conducted in substantially the same character as amateur or
612	612	601professional matches which require licensure pursuant to this chapter.
613	613	602 Section 23. Statutes not applicable to matches or exhibitions
614	614	603 Sections 9 to 12, inclusive, of chapter 265 shall not apply to any boxing, kickboxing,
615	615	604mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition
616	616	605licensed under section 5 and conducted under and in accordance with this chapter and any
617	617	606accompanying rules and regulations promulgated by the commission.
618	618	607 Section 24. Regulation of youth sports; public education campaign; recommendations
619	619	608 (a) The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations related to participation in and
620	620	609the administration of youth sports in the commonwealth. Regulations may include, but not be
621	621	610limited to: (i) maximum participation hours per youth sport in a defined period of time; (ii)
622	622	611licensing of businesses and coaches, including licensing fees and the conditions under which any
623	623	612such licensing fee may be waived to promote access to participation; (iii) criminal offender
624	624	613record information, provided that the commission may prohibit an individual from obtaining any
625	625	614applicable license on the basis of a felony conviction in order to prioritize player safety, at the 30 of 34
626	626	615discretion of the commission; and (iv) standards for player safety, including concussion
627	627	616protocols and athletic trainer requirements.
628	628	617 (b) Except as provided for by any general or special law to the contrary, the commission
629	629	618shall enforce such rules and regulations; provided, however, that penalties for noncompliance
630	630	619under this section may include, but not be limited to: (i) suspension or revocation of any
631	631	620applicable license issued by the commission; (ii) enjoinment and abatement of a particular youth
632	632	621sports event occurring in violation of this section; or (iii) fines as determined by the commission.
633	633	622 (c) The commission shall conduct a public education campaign regarding youth sports.
634	634	623The commission shall exercise its discretion with regard to distribution means and methods;
635	635	624provided, however, that said campaign shall be directed primarily toward parents, coaches, youth
636	636	625athletes and other members of the public. Said campaign shall include, but not be limited to, the
637	637	626physical and mental health, personal financial and economic development impacts of youth
638	638	627sports. The commission shall consult with subject matter experts in the preparation of said
639	639	628campaign, including on the matters of single sport specialization, appropriate training and
640	640	629overtraining conscious of athlete age and the relationship between youth sports participation and
641	641	630higher education or career outcomes.
642	642	631 (d) The commission shall annually, not later than November 1, file a written report with
643	643	632the respective clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on economic
644	644	633development and emerging technologies and the joint committee on health care financing
645	645	634describing therein the activities undertaken by the commission regarding youth sports for the
646	646	635prior year, including any recommendations or requests for legislation arising therefrom in
647	647	636furtherance of the purpose of the commission and the current rates of any licensing fees fixed by 31 of 34
648	648	637the commission in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, if any. The commission may, at
649	649	638any time, request or recommend such legislative remedies, provided that any such previously
650	650	639extended request or recommendation shall also be summarized in said report.
651	651	640 SECTION 8. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
652	652	641striking section 2AAAA and inserting in place thereof the following:-
653	653	642 “Section 2AAAA. State Athletic Commission Fund
654	654	643 (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate
655	655	644fund to be known as the State Athletic Commission Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic
656	656	645commission, established pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and
657	657	646shall expend monies to finance operational activities of said commission. The fund shall be
658	658	647credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or other monies authorized by the general court and
659	659	648specifically designated to be credited thereto, any monies from licensing fees or other fees and
660	660	649fines collected under sections 4 to 7, inclusive, 15 and 18 of chapter 23O and section 12 of
661	661	650chapter 265 and any monies credited from the Youth Development and Achievement Fund
662	662	651pursuant to section 19 of chapter 23N. All available monies in the fund that are unexpended at
663	663	652the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for
664	664	653expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year. Said commission shall record all expenditures made by
665	665	654a subsidiary on the Massachusetts management and account reporting system according to
666	666	655regulations established by the state comptroller. For the purposes of accommodating
667	667	656discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, said commission
668	668	657may incur expense and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower
669	669	658of $750,000 or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system. 32 of 34
670	670	659 (b) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall, for the purposes of compliance
671	671	660with state finance law, operate as a state agency as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 and shall be
672	672	661subject to the provisions applicable to agencies under the control of the governor including, but
673	673	662not limited to, chapters 7, 7A, 10 and 29; provided, however, that the comptroller may identify
674	674	663any additional instructions or actions necessary for the commission to manage fiscal operations
675	675	664in the state accounting system and meet statewide and other governmental accounting and audit
676	676	665standards. Unless otherwise exempted by law or the applicable central service agency, said
677	677	666commission shall participate in any other available commonwealth central services including, but
678	678	667not limited to, the state payroll system under section 31 of said chapter 29 and may purchase
679	679	668other goods and services provided by state agencies in accordance with comptroller provisions.
680	680	669The comptroller may chargeback said commission for the transition and ongoing costs for
681	681	670participation in the state accounting and payroll systems and may retain and expend such costs
682	682	671without further appropriation for the purposes of this section. Said commission shall be subject
683	683	672to section 5D of chapter 29 and subsection (f) of section 6B of chapter 29.
684	684	673 (c) The commission shall annually submit a finance plan to the secretary of
685	685	674administration and finance, the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means
686	686	675and the chairs of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies. Said
687	687	676finance plan shall include, but not be limited to, activities related to the State Athletic
688	688	677Commission Fund and the Boxers’ Fund established pursuant to section 2AAAA½.”
689	689	678 SECTION 9. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby further amended
690	690	679by inserting after section 2AAAA the following new section:-
691	691	680 “Section 2AAAA½. Boxers’ Fund 33 of 34
692	692	681 There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund
693	693	682to be known as the Boxers’ Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic commission, established
694	694	683pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and shall expend for the use
695	695	684and benefit of a contestant or former contestant in an event governed by chapter 23O and any
696	696	685accompanying regulations promulgated by said commission under the purview of said
697	697	686commission for funeral expenses or assistance needed as a result of an injury suffered while
698	698	687participating in such an event. The fund shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or
699	699	688other monies authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited thereto
700	700	689and any monies collected under section 15 of chapter 23O. All available monies in the fund that
701	701	690are unexpended at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be
702	702	691available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.”
703	703	692 SECTION 10. Chapter 147 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
704	704	693repealing sections 32 to 51, inclusive.
705	705	694 SECTION 11. Section 9 of chapter 265 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby
706	706	695amended by striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive, of chapter one hundred
707	707	696and forty-seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of
708	708	697chapter 23O”.
709	709	698 SECTION 12. Section 10 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
710	710	699striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive, of chapter one hundred and forty-
711	711	700seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter
712	712	70123O”. 34 of 34
713	713	702 SECTION 13. Section 12 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
714	714	703striking the words “sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, of chapter 147,” and inserting in place thereof
715	715	704the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter 23O”.