Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S300 Compare Versions

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

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1	1	1 of 1
2	2	SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2159 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
3	3	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 300
4	4	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
5	5	_________________
6	6	PRESENTED BY:
7	7	Barry R. Finegold
8	8	_________________
9	9	To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
10	10	Court assembled:
11	11	The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:
12	12	An Act providing oversight of youth sports and combat sports in the Commonwealth.
13	13	_______________
14	14	PETITION OF:
15	15	NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Barry R. FinegoldSecond Essex and Middlesex 1 of 34
16	16	SENATE DOCKET, NO. 2159 FILED ON: 1/17/2025
17	17	SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 300
18	18	By Mr. Finegold, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 300) of Barry R. Finegold for
19	19	legislation to create a state athletic commission to provide oversight of youth and combat sports
20	20	in Massachusetts. Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.
21	21	[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
22	22	SEE SENATE, NO. 2601 OF 2023-2024.]
23	23	The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
24	24	_______________
25	25	In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
26	26	(2025-2026)
27	27	_______________
28	28	An Act providing oversight of youth sports and combat sports in the Commonwealth.
29	29	Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
30	30	of the same, as follows:
31	31	1 SECTION 1. Section 12 of chapter 22 of the General Laws is hereby repealed.
32	32	2 SECTION 2. Section 17 of chapter 23N of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
33	33	3Official Edition, is hereby amended in paragraph (2) by striking the figure “17.5” and inserting
34	34	4in place thereof the following:- “16.5”.
35	35	5 SECTION 3. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
36	36	6amended in paragraph (3) by striking the figure “27.5” and inserting in place thereof the
37	37	7following:- “25.5”. 2 of 34
38	38	8 SECTION 4. Said section 17 of said chapter 23N, as so appearing, is hereby further
39	39	9amended in paragraph (4) by striking the figure “1” and inserting in place thereof the following:-
40	40	10“4”.
41	41	11 SECTION 5. Section 19 of said chapter 23N, as amended by section 13 of chapter 2 of
42	42	12the Acts of 2023, is hereby further amended by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting in
43	43	13place thereof the following 3 paragraphs:-
44	44	14 (2) For the purposes of funding after-school and out-of-school activities, including, but
45	45	15not limited to, youth athletics and other activities that improve student health, literacy programs,
46	46	16English language learning programs, academic tutoring, art, theater and music programs and
47	47	17community service programs;
48	48	18 (3) For the purposes of providing matching grants to elementary and secondary youth
49	49	19sports, organizations, clubs and other school groups to attend events, including, but not limited
50	50	20to, academic events and programs, cultural events and award ceremonies both nationally and
51	51	21internationally; and
52	52	22 (4) For a transfer to the State Athletic Commission Fund established pursuant to section
53	53	232AAAA of chapter 29 for the purpose of rebalancing any lost revenue from licensing fees
54	54	24waived in accordance with section 24 of chapter 23O.
55	55	25 SECTION 6. The General Laws are hereby amended by inserting after chapter 23N the
56	56	26following new chapter:-
57	57	27 Chapter 23O. The Massachusetts State Athletic Commission
58	58	28 Section 1. Definitions. 3 of 34
59	59	29 As used in this chapter, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the
60	60	30context clearly requires otherwise:
61	61	31 “Affiliate”, a person who directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, or is under
62	62	32common control with, a specified person.
63	63	33 “Boxing”, the art of attack and defense with gloved fists practiced as a sport limited to
64	64	34legal blows above the waist and on the front or sides of the opponent.
65	65	35 “Business”, a corporation, sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or
66	66	36any other organization formed for the purpose of carrying on a commercial enterprise.
67	67	37 “Chair”, the chair of the commission.
68	68	38 “Combat sports background”, a minimum of 10 years of documented experience in
69	69	39professional unarmed combative sports including, but not limited to: (i) a professional
70	70	40combatant, (ii) a licensed promoter, (iii) a licensed manager, (iv) a licensed referee, (v) a
71	71	41licensed judge or (vi) regulator.
72	72	42 “Commission”, the Massachusetts state athletic commission established in section 2.
73	73	43 “Executive director”, the executive director of the Massachusetts state athletic
74	74	44commission.
75	75	45 “Kickboxing”, a form of competition in which a person delivers blows with any part of
76	76	46the arm below the shoulder, including the hand and any part of the leg below the hip, including
77	77	47the foot. 4 of 34
78	78	48 “Mixed martial arts”, any form of unarmed combat involving the use of a combination of
79	79	49techniques including, but not limited to, grappling, kicking and striking, commonly associated
80	80	50with boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and various disciplines of the martial arts including, but not
81	81	51limited to, karate, kung fu, tae kwon-do, Jiu-Jitsu or any combination thereof.
82	82	52 “Person”, an individual, corporation, association, operation, firm, partnership, trust or
83	83	53other form of business association.
84	84	54 “Toughman”, a boxing or unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition in which
85	85	55combatants do not qualify for licensure by the commission as a professional combatant or for
86	86	56amateur status by a commission-approved amateur organization; provided, however, that
87	87	57“toughman” shall not include matches or exhibitions conducted pursuant to section 22.
88	88	58 “Unarmed combative sport”, any form of competition in which a blow is usually struck
89	89	59which may reasonably be expected to inflict injury and no weapon is used; provided, however,
90	90	60that “unarmed combative sport” shall not include professional wrestling.
91	91	61 “Youth sport”, any organized physical activity or athletic or sporting event in which the
92	92	62team or contestants are predominantly under the age of 18; provided, however, that “youth
93	93	63sports” shall not include, for the purposes of this chapter, any athletic or sporting event subject to
94	94	64the rules and regulations promulgated by the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association,
95	95	65Middle Level Athletic Committee of the Massachusetts School Administrators Association,
96	96	66National Collegiate Athletic Association or other governing body as determined by the
97	97	67commission.
98	98	68 “Youth sports background”, expertise in general athletics and youth sports; provided,
99	99	69however, that relevant experience may include, but not be limited to: (i) a prior role as athletic 5 of 34
100	100	70director in an educational setting or as program director of a youth sports program, or (ii)
101	101	71significant academic study in physical education or youth development.
102	102	72 Section 2. Massachusetts state athletic commission; duty, qualification, term and
103	103	73compensation of commissioners; divisions; executive leadership.
104	104	74 (a) (1) There shall be a Massachusetts state athletic commission which shall consist of 5
105	105	75commissioners, 3 of whom shall be appointed by the governor, at least 1 of whom shall have a
106	106	76combat sports background in the sport of boxing and at least 1 of whom shall have a combat
107	107	77sports background in the sport of mixed martial arts, muay thai or kickboxing; and 2 of whom
108	108	78shall be appointed by a majority vote of the attorney general, the speaker of the house and the
109	109	79senate president and who shall have a youth sports background. The governor shall designate the
110	110	80chair of the commission.
111	111	81 (2) Each commissioner shall serve for a term of 5 years or until a successor is appointed
112	112	82and shall be eligible for reappointment. A person appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of a
113	113	83commissioner shall be appointed in a like manner and shall serve for only the unexpired term of
114	114	84such commissioner. The governor may remove a commissioner if the commissioner: (i) is guilty
115	115	85of malfeasance in office; (ii) substantially neglects the duties of a commissioner; (iii) is unable to
116	116	86discharge the powers and duties of the commissioner’s office; or (iv) commits gross misconduct.
117	117	87 Three commissioners shall constitute a quorum and the affirmative vote of 3
118	118	88commissioners shall be required for an action of the commission; provided, however, that the
119	119	89affirmative vote of at least 1 commissioner with a youth sports background shall be required for
120	120	90any action of the commission with regard to the youth sports division. The chair or 3 members of
121	121	91the commission may call a meeting; provided, however, that notice of all meetings shall be given 6 of 34
122	122	92to each commissioner and to other persons who request such notice. The commission shall adopt
123	123	93regulations establishing procedures, which may include electronic communications, by which a
124	124	94request to receive notice shall be made and the method by which timely notice may be given.
125	125	95 Commissioners shall receive salaries not greater than three quarters of the salary of the
126	126	96commissioner of administration under section 4 of chapter 7; provided, however, that the chair
127	127	97shall receive a salary equal to the salary of the commissioner of administration. Commissioners
128	128	98shall devote their full time and attention to the duties of their office.
129	129	99 (3) Commissioners shall receive compensation for traveling expenses necessarily
130	130	100incurred in the performance of their duties and shall be allowed such sums for clerical assistance
131	131	101as the commission may approve; provided, however, that the commission may designate 1 or
132	132	102more employees to represent the commission at any match or exhibited held under this chapter;
133	133	103provided further, that the commission may approve that such employee receives compensation
134	134	104for travel and incidental expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties; and
135	135	105provided further, that the commission shall establish a comprehensive employee accountability
136	136	106and internal control system that closely aligns with the human resources division’s rules and
137	137	107policies established pursuant to section 28 of chapter 7 for employees and managers not subject
138	138	108to collective bargaining under chapter 150E which takes into account rates set by the United
139	139	109States General Services Administration for similar services when determining the maximum
140	140	110reimbursable rate for such travel and incidental expenses.
141	141	111 (4) The commission shall annually elect 1 of its members to serve as secretary and 1 of
142	142	112its members to serve as treasurer. The secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the
143	143	113commission and shall be the custodian and keeper of the records of all books, documents and 7 of 34
144	144	114papers filed by the commission and of its minute book. The secretary shall cause copies to be
145	145	115made of all minutes and other records and documents of the commission and shall certify that
146	146	116such copies are true copies, and all persons dealing with the commission may rely upon such
147	147	117certification. No funds shall be transferred by the commission without the approval of the
148	148	118commission and the signature of the treasurer.
149	149	119 (b) (1) The chair shall have and exercise supervision and control over all the affairs of the
150	150	120commission. The chair shall preside at all hearings at which the chair is present and shall
151	151	121designate a commissioner to act as chair in the chair’s absence. To promote efficiency in
152	152	122administration, the chair shall, from time to time, make such division or re-division of the work
153	153	123of the commission among the commissioners as the chair deems expedient.
154	154	124 (2) All of the commissioners shall, if so directed by the chair, participate in the hearing
155	155	125and decision of any matter before the commission; provided, however, that at least 2
156	156	126commissioners shall participate in the hearing and decision of matters other than those of formal
157	157	127or administrative character coming before the commission; provided further, that at least 1
158	158	128commissioner with a youth sports background shall participate in any such matters concerning
159	159	129youth sports; and provided further, that any such matter may be heard, examined and
160	160	130investigated by an employee of the commission designed and assigned by the chair, with the
161	161	131concurrence of 1 other commissioner. Such employee shall make a report in writing relative to
162	162	132the hearing, examination and investigation of every such matter to the commission for its
163	163	133decision. For the purposes of hearing, examining and investigating any such matter, such
164	164	134employee shall have all of the powers conferred upon a commissioner by this section. For each
165	165	135hearing, the concurrence of a majority of the commissions participating in the decision shall be
166	166	136necessary. 8 of 34
167	167	137 (c) (1) The commission shall appoint an executive director. The executive director shall
168	168	138serve at the pleasure of the commission, shall receive such salary as may be determined by the
169	169	139commission, and shall devote full time and attention to the duties of the office. The executive
170	170	140director shall be a person with skill and experience in management and shall be the executive and
171	171	141administrative head of the commission. The executive director shall be responsible for
172	172	142administering and enforcing the provisions of law relative to the commission and to each
173	173	143administrative unit thereof and shall serve as the commission’s liaison to the governor and
174	174	144general court.
175	175	145 (2) The executive director may, from time to time and subject to the approval of the
176	176	146commission, establish within the commission such administrative units as may be necessary for
177	177	147the efficient and economical administration of the commission and, when necessary for such
178	178	148purpose, may abolish any such administrative unit or may merge any 2 or more units; provided,
179	179	149however, that the commission shall at all times retain a division of combat sports responsible for
180	180	150discharging the duties of sections 4 to 23, inclusive, and a division of youth sports responsible
181	181	151for discharging the duties of section 24. The executive director shall prepare and keep current a
182	182	152plan of organization of the commission, of the assignment of its functions to its various
183	183	153administrative units, office and employees and of the place at which and the methods by which
184	184	154the public may receive information or make requests. A current copy of the plan of organization
185	185	155shall be kept on file with the state secretary and in the office of the secretary of administration
186	186	156and finance.
187	187	157 (3) The executive director shall appoint and employ the following positions: 9 of 34
188	188	158 (i) General counsel, who shall provide legal advice, ensure adherence to all applicable
189	189	159general and special laws and represent the commission in legal proceedings;
190	190	160 (ii) A compliance officer, who shall monitor adherence to any applicable state regulations
191	191	161at all events licensed by the commission, collaborate with promoters and ensure that events align
192	192	162with licensing agreements entered into under this chapter; provided, however, that the
193	193	163compliance officer shall have a combat sports background or experience in regulatory roles
194	194	164within athletics;
195	195	165 (iii) A chief of communications and economic development, who shall prioritize national
196	196	166promotion, venue support, strategic partnerships, public relations, economic impact analysis,
197	197	167community development or any duties as may be assigned by the executive director;
198	198	168 (iv) A chief of the combat sports division, who shall have a combat sports background in
199	199	169the commonwealth; and
200	200	170 (v) A chief of the youth sports division, who shall have a youth sports background in the
201	201	171commonwealth.
202	202	172 (4) The executive director may, subject to the approval of the commission, employ
203	203	173additional employees, consultants, agents and advisors and shall attend meetings of the
204	204	174commission. In the case of an absence of vacancy in the office of the executive director or in the
205	205	175case of disability as determined by the commission, the commission may designate an active
206	206	176executive director to serve as executive director until the vacancy is filled or the absence or
207	207	177disability ceases. The acting executive director shall have all of the powers and duties of the
208	208	178executive director and shall have similar qualification as the executive director. 10 of 34
209	209	179 (5) The executive director may appoint such persons as the executive director shall
210	210	180consider necessary to perform the functions of the commission; provided, however, that chapter
211	211	18131 and section 9A of chapter 30 shall not apply to commission employees. If an employee
212	212	182serving in a position which is classified under said chapter 31 or in which an employee has
213	213	183tenure by reason of said section 9A of said chapter 30 shall be appointed to a position within the
214	214	184commission which is not subject to said chapter 31, the employee shall, upon termination of
215	215	185service in such position, be restored to the position which the employee held immediately prior
216	216	186to such appointment; provided however, that the employee’s service in such position shall be
217	217	187determined by the civil service commission in accordance with the standards applied by that
218	218	188commission in administering said section 9A of said chapter 30 and without loss of seniority,
219	219	189retirement or other rights to which uninterrupted service in such prior position would have
220	220	190entitled such employee. During the period of such appointment, each person so appointed from a
221	221	191position in the classified civil service shall be eligible to take any competitive promotional
222	222	192examination for which such person would otherwise have been eligible. Employees of the
223	223	193commission, including employees working in the bureau, shall be classified as group 1 pursuant
224	224	194to paragraph (g) of subdivision (2) of section 3 of chapter 32.
225	225	195 (d) (1) The commission shall require a prospective employee to: (i) submit an application
226	226	196and a personal disclosure on a form prescribed by the commission which shall include a
227	227	197complete criminal history, including convictions and current charges for all felonies and
228	228	198misdemeanors; (ii) undergo testing which detects the presence of illegal substances in the body;
229	229	199(iii) provide fingerprints and a photograph consistent with standards adopted by the state police;
230	230	200and (iv) provide authorization for the commission to conduct a background check. The
231	231	201commission shall verify the identification, employment and education of each prospective 11 of 34
232	232	202employee, including: (i) legal name, including any alias; (ii) all secondary and post-secondary
233	233	203educational institutions attended regardless of graduation status; and (iii) employment history.
234	234	204 (2) The commission shall not hire a prospective employee if the prospective employee
235	235	205has: (i) been convicted of any felony or misdemeanor involving a minor; (ii) had prior
236	236	206involvement with any violation of the provisions of chapters 23K or 23N; (iii) been dismissed
237	237	207from prior employment for gross misconduct or incompetence; or (iv) intentionally made a false
238	238	208statement concerning a material fact in connection with the prospective employee’s application
239	239	209to the commission. If an employee is charged with a felony or misdemeanor while employed by
240	240	210the commission, the commission shall suspend the employee, with or without pay, and may
241	241	211terminate employment with the commission upon conviction if, in the discretion of the
242	242	212commission, the offense for which the employee has been convicted bears a close relationship to
243	243	213the duties and responsibilities of the position held with the commission.
244	244	214 (e) Chapters 268A and 268B shall apply to the commissioners and to employees of the
245	245	215commission; provided, however, that the commission shall establish a code of ethics for all
246	246	216members and employees that shall be at least as restrictive as said chapters 268A and 268B. A
247	247	217copy of the code shall be filed with the state ethics commission. The code shall include
248	248	218provisions reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter and any other laws
249	249	219subject to the jurisdiction of the commission including, but not limited to: (i) prohibiting the
250	250	220receipt of gifts by commissioners and employees from any combat sports or youth sports
251	251	221licensee, affiliate or other person or entity subject to the jurisdiction of the commission; (ii)
252	252	222prohibiting the participation by commissioners and employees in a particular matter as defined in
253	253	223section 1 of said chapter 268A that affects the financial interest of a relative within the third
254	254	224degree of consanguinity or a person with whom such commissioner or employee has a significant 12 of 34
255	255	225relationship as defined in the code; and (iii) providing for recusal of a commissioner in any
256	256	226decision of the commission due to a potential or perceived conflict of interest; provided,
257	257	227however, that a commissioner’s or employee’s involvement with a youth sports team or
258	258	228organization shall not be cause for a conflict of interest if said commissioner or employee is
259	259	229involved solely as the parent of an athlete, a volunteer coach, or a volunteer trainer; and provided
260	260	230further, that any such relationship shall be disclosed to the state ethics commission.
261	261	231 (f) (1) No employee of the commission shall pursue any other business or occupation or
262	262	232other gainful employment outside of the commission without the prior written approval of the
263	263	233commission that such employment will not interfere or be in conflict with the employee’s duties
264	264	234to the commission.
265	265	235 (2) No commissioner shall hold a direct or indirect interest in, or be employed by, a
266	266	236person licensed by the commission for a period of 3 years after the termination of employment
267	267	237with the commission.
268	268	238 (3) No employee of the commission shall acquire an interest in, or accept employment
269	269	239with, a person licensed by the commission for a period of 1 year after the termination of
270	270	240employment with the commission.
271	271	241 (g) The commissioners and those employees holding major policymaking positions shall
272	272	242be sworn to the faithful performance of their official duties. The commissioners and those
273	273	243employees holding major policymaking positions shall: (i) conduct themselves in a manner so as
274	274	244to render decisions that are fair and impartial and in the public interest; (ii) avoid impropriety and
275	275	245the appearance of impropriety in all matters under their jurisdiction; (iii) avoid all prohibited
276	276	246communications; (iv) require staff and personnel subject to their direction and control to observe 13 of 34
277	277	247the same standards of fidelity and diligence; (v) disqualify themselves from proceedings in
278	278	248which their impartiality might reasonably be questioned; and (vi) refrain from financial or
279	279	249business dealings which would tend to reflect adversely on impartiality.
280	280	250 Neither the commission nor any of its officers, agents, employees, consultants or advisors
281	281	251shall be subject to sections 9A, 45, 46 and 52 of chapter 30, chapter 31 or to chapter 200 of the
282	282	252acts of 1976.
283	283	253 (h) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall be a commission for the purposes
284	284	254of section 3 of chapter 12.
285	285	255 Section 3. Powers of the commission.
286	286	256 The commission shall have all powers necessary or convenient to carry out and effectuate
287	287	257its purposes including, but not limited to, the power to:
288	288	258 (i) appoint officers and hire employees; establish, and from time to time amend, a plan of
289	289	259organization that it considers expedient;
290	290	260 (ii) execute all instruments necessary or convenient for accomplishing the purposes of
291	291	261this chapter;
292	292	262 (iii) enter into agreements or other transactions with a person, including, but not limited
293	293	263to, a public entity or other governmental instrumentality or authority in connection with its
294	294	264powers and duties under this chapter;
295	295	265 (iv) appear on its own behalf before boards, commissions, departments or other agencies
296	296	266of municipal, state or federal government; 14 of 34
297	297	267 (v) apply for and accept subventions, grants, loans, advances and contributions of money,
298	298	268property, labor or other things of value from any source, to be held, used and applied for its
299	299	269purposes;
300	300	270 (vi) provide and pay for advisory services and technical assistance that may be necessary
301	301	271in its judgment to carry out this chapter and fix the compensation of persons providing such
302	302	272services or assistance;
303	303	273 (vii) prepare, publish and distribute, with or without charge as the commission may
304	304	274determine, such studies, reports, bulletins and other materials as the commission considers
305	305	275appropriate;
306	306	276 (viii) require an applicant for a position which requires a license under this chapter to
307	307	277apply for such license and approve or disapprove any such application or other transactions,
308	308	278events and processes as provided in this chapter;
309	309	279 (viii) deny an application or limit, condition, restrict, revoke or suspend a license,
310	310	280registration, finding of suitability or approval, or fine a person licensed, registered, found
311	311	281suitable or approved for any cause that the commission deems reasonable;
312	312	282 (ix) gather facts and information applicable to the commission’s obligation to issue,
313	313	283suspend or revoke licenses, work permits or registrations for: (i) a violation of this chapter or any
314	314	284regulation adopted by the commission; (ii) willfully violating an order of the commission
315	315	285directed to a licensee; (iii) the conviction of a criminal offense; or (iv) the violation of any other
316	316	286offense which would disqualify such a licensee from holding a license, work permit or
317	317	287registration; 15 of 34
318	318	288 conduct investigations into the qualifications of all applicants for employment by the
319	319	289commission and by any regulated entity and all applications for licensure;
320	320	290 (x) request and receive from the state police, the criminal history systems board or other
321	321	291criminal justice agencies including, but not limited to, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and
322	322	292the Internal Revenue Service, such criminal offender record information relating to criminal and
323	323	293background investigations as necessary for the purpose of evaluating employees of, and
324	324	294applicants for employment by, the commission and any regulated entity, and evaluating licensees
325	325	295and applicants for licensure under this chapter;
326	326	296 (xi) levy and collect assessments, fees and fines and impose penalties and sanctions for a
327	327	297violation of this chapter or any regulations promulgating by the commission;
328	328	298 (xii) collect taxes and fees under this chapter;
329	329	299 (xiii) restrict, suspend or revoke licenses issued under this chapter;
330	330	300 (xiv) conduct adjudicatory proceedings and promulgate regulations in accordance with
331	331	301chapter 30A;
332	332	302 (xv) refer cases for criminal prosecution to the appropriate federal, state or local
333	333	303resources;
334	334	304 (xvi) issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses at any place within the
335	335	305commonwealth, administer oaths and require testimony under oath before the commission in the
336	336	306course of an investigation or hearing conducted under this chapter;
337	337	307 (xvii) maintain an official internet website for the commission; 16 of 34
338	338	308 adopt, amend or repeal regulations for the implementation, administration and
339	339	309enforcement of this chapter; and
340	340	310 (xviii) act as trustees for the Boxers’ Fund established in section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29
341	341	311and the State Athletic Commission Fund established in section 2AAAA of said chapter 29.
342	342	312 Section 4. Necessity of license to hold boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
343	343	313unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition.
344	344	314 No boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or
345	345	315sparring match or exhibition for a prize or purse, or at which an admission fee is charged, either
346	346	316directly or indirectly, in the form of dues or otherwise, whether professional or amateur, shall
347	347	317take place or be conducted except in accordance with a license granted as hereinafter provided
348	348	318by the commission. Applications for a license shall be accompanied by the fee, as established
349	349	319annually the commissioner of administration and finance pursuant to section 3B of chapter 7,
350	350	320which may take into consideration the population of the city or town or the seating capacity of
351	351	321the building or place in which the match or exhibition is to be held; provided, however, that a
352	352	322license, the fee for which is established on the basis of seating capacity of a building or place as
353	353	323aforesaid, shall be exercised only in such building or place. Toughman or similar type matches or
354	354	324exhibitions shall be prohibited. In the case of exhibitions or bouts held in accordance with the
355	355	325rules and regulations of amateur organizations as may be approved by the commission, the
356	356	326commission may issue special licenses without the requirement of a bond as provided in section
357	357	3276 or payment of the annual fee.
358	358	328 Any persons holding, conducting, promoting or participating in a match or exhibition
359	359	329held without a license, as provided in section 5, or a toughman or similar type match or 17 of 34
360	360	330exhibition, shall be punished by imprisonment in the house of corrections for not more than 3
361	361	331months or by a fine of not more than $10,000, or both such fine and imprisonment.
362	362	332 Matches or exhibitions under the governance of the Massachusetts Interscholastic
363	363	333Athletic Association, the National Collegiate Athletic Association or any equivalent school or
364	364	334college organization shall be exempt from the requirements of this section if the competitors are
365	365	335amateurs; provided, however, that any such match or exhibition that the commission determines
366	366	336to be a youth sport shall be subject to the licensing requirements contained herein. In the case of
367	367	337such a youth sport, the commission may, at its discretion, issue a special license without the
368	368	338requirement of a bond as provided in section 6 or payment of the annual fee.
369	369	339 A license may be granted to an applicant under this chapter, notwithstanding the social
370	370	340security number requirements of section 13A of chapter 30A; provided, however, that the
371	371	341applicant provides a form of identification sufficient to identify the applicant.
372	372	342 Section 5. Issuance and term of license; revocation of license; issuance of license for
373	373	343toughman competition prohibited.
374	374	344 In accordance with this chapter, the commission may issue licenses to conduct boxing,
375	375	345kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches
376	376	346and exhibitions. The license shall be valid only for the date approved by the commission. The
377	377	347commission may revoke the license at any time in the interest of public safety. No license shall
378	378	348be issued for a toughman competition or similar event.
379	379	349 Section 6. Bond 18 of 34
380	380	350 Except as otherwise provided in subsections (a) and (c) of section 4, no license as
381	381	351aforesaid shall be granted unless the licensee has executed and filed with the commission a bond
382	382	352in a penal sum of $50,000, with such surety or sureties as shall be satisfactory to the commission,
383	383	353running to the commission, conditioned upon the payment to the commonwealth of the sums
384	384	354mentioned in section 15, and upon faithful compliance by the licensee with the provisions of this
385	385	355chapter, the rules and regulations of the commission and with such other laws of the
386	386	356commonwealth and may be applicable to anything done by the licensee in pursuance of the
387	387	357license. The commission may enforce the terms of the bond for the use and benefit of any person
388	388	358who may suffer loss by reason of the failure by the licensee to carry out terms of the bout
389	389	359agreement or due to acts of the licensee determined to be detrimental to combat sports. The bond
390	390	360shall also provide for a forfeiture to the commonwealth, recoverable at the suit of the attorney
391	391	361general, of each sum, not exceeding $10,000, as may be stipulated in the bond for each case of
392	392	362non-compliance.
393	393	363 Section 7. Licenses for physician, promoter, referee, judge, timekeeper, professional
394	394	364boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant, or a
395	395	365manager, trainer or second of such a contestant; fees.
396	396	366 No person shall act, directly or indirectly, as a physician, promoter, referee, judge,
397	397	367timekeeper, professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
398	398	368combative sport contestant, or as a manager, trainer or second of such a contestant, at a match or
399	399	369exhibition or as a matchmaker therefore, unless licensed by the commission upon receipt of the
400	400	370classified fee to be determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance
401	401	371under section 3B of chapter 7. The commission shall set minimum requirements for licensure
402	402	372based upon skill or other fundamental prerequisites deemed necessary to adequately and safely 19 of 34
403	403	373execute the functions of the respective position. The commission may refuse to license any
404	404	374individual who does not meet those requirements or whose safety and well-being it determines
405	405	375will be put at substantial risk by engaging in their respective position. Whoever acts in such
406	406	376capacity, without being so license shall be punished by a fine of not more than $10,000. Any
407	407	377official who desires to officiate without charge at amateur boxing or sparring matching or
408	408	378exhibitions shall be licensed without charge. In accordance with section 12, the commission may
409	409	379license an individual who is under 18 years of age without charge.
410	410	380 Section 8. Amateur boxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
411	411	381events, sparring matches and exhibitions; acknowledgment of rules and regulations of amateur
412	412	382governing body; licensing of amateur referees, judges and officials; limitation on number and
413	413	383timing of competitions; gloves.
414	414	384 Notwithstanding section 9, the commission shall, in the conduct of all amateur boxing,
415	415	385mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting events, sparring matches and exhibitions
416	416	386sanctioned by the national governing body and its local affiliate which are appointed and
417	417	387recognized by the United States Olympic Committee for such purposes, acknowledge and follow
418	418	388the rules and regulations of the amateur governing bodies.
419	419	389 No amateur match which is subject to section 4 shall be held unless it is licensed by the
420	420	390commission and sanctioned and supervised by an amateur sanctioning organization approved by
421	421	391the commission.
422	422	392 The commission shall recognize and license, upon receipt of the classified fee to be
423	423	393determined annually by the commissioner of administration and finance of section 3B of chapter 20 of 34
424	424	3947, the amateur referees, judges and other amateur officials assigned to the amateur matches or
425	425	395exhibitions by the amateur governing bodies and certified under their rules and regulations.
426	426	396 The commission shall cooperate fully with the amateur boxing governing bodies to assure
427	427	397that amateur boxers are eligible to participate and compete for selection to the United States
428	428	398Olympic boxing team.
429	429	399 No contestant in amateur boxing shall compete in more than 2 tournaments in any 7-day
430	430	400period, nor shall the contestant participate in more than 3 contests in a period of 13 hours. All
431	431	401amateur boxing or sparring matches or exhibitions shall terminate not later than 12:30 a.m. on
432	432	402the day following the start of the match.
433	433	403 During a contest, contestants in amateur boxing or kickboxing matches or exhibitions
434	434	404shall wear gloves weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur
435	435	405boxing governing body. During a contest, contestants in amateur mixed martial arts and other
436	436	406unarmed combative sport matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces
437	437	407each unless otherwise authorized by the amateur governing body.
438	438	408 Section 9. Necessity of referee and judges; power and duties; vote; decision; forfeitures;
439	439	409fees of officials; payment
440	440	410 (a) At every boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
441	441	411event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance a referee, duly licensed under this
442	442	412section and sections 7 and 8. There shall also be in attendance at least 3 duly-licensed judges,
443	443	413each of whom shall, at the termination of a match or exhibition, vote for the contestant in whose
444	444	414favor the decision should, in their opinion, be rendered or, for a draw if, in their opinion, neither
445	445	415contestant is entitled to a decision in their favor and the decision shall be rendered in favor of the 21 of 34
446	446	416contestant receiving a majority of the votes or, if neither receives a majority as aforementioned, a
447	447	417decision of a draw shall be rendered. Upon the rendering of a decision, the vote of each judge
448	448	418shall be announced from the ring. The referee shall have full power to stop the match or
449	449	419exhibition whenever they deem it advisable because of the physical condition of a contestant or
450	450	420when 1 contestant is clearly outclassed by their opponent or for other sufficient reason.
451	451	421 (b) The commission shall set forth rules and regulations for contracts between a manager
452	452	422and an unarmed combatant and contracts between a promoter and an unarmed combatant. An
453	453	423unarmed combatant may not enter into a contract with a manager or a promoter unless it is filed
454	454	424with the commission prior to a scheduled contest in an amount of time set forth by the
455	455	425commission. The commission shall only honor a contract that is executed and notarized on a
456	456	426form provided by the commission, unless the terms of the contract comply with the requirements
457	457	427set forth by the commission.
458	458	428 (c) The commission shall be the sole arbiter of a breach of contract and may establish
459	459	429rules governing breach of contract dispute resolution. If during a contest, a contestant is believed
460	460	430to not be competing in good faith, a member of the commission or their designee shall withhold
461	461	431any prize, remuneration or purse until a hearing can be held. The commission shall at a hearing
462	462	432following the contest declare forfeited any prize, remuneration or purse or any part thereof,
463	463	433belonging to a contestant if, in the judgment of a majority of the commissioners, after
464	464	434consultation with the judges and the referee, the contestant was not competing in good faith.
465	465	435 (d) Whoever violates any provision of this chapter or who conducts themselves at any
466	466	436time or place in a manner which is deemed by the commission to reflect discredit to any unarmed 22 of 34
467	467	437combative sports, may have their license revoked and fined, suspended or otherwise disciplined
468	468	438in such manner as the commission may direct.
469	469	439 Section 10. Necessity of physician; duties; qualifications; fees; certificate of contestant’s
470	470	440fitness
471	471	441 At any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting
472	472	442event, sparring match or exhibition there shall be in attendance at least 1 duly licensed physician,
473	473	443whose duty it shall be to observe the physical condition of the contestants and advise the referee
474	474	444or judges with regard thereto. A competent physician who has at least 3 years of experience as a
475	475	445medical practitioners may be licensed. No contestant shall be allowed to enter the ring unless a
476	476	446physician licensed under this section and section 7 certifies in writing that the contestant is
477	477	447physically fit to engage in the proposed contest. The physician’s fee, as fixed by the commission,
478	478	448shall be paid by the licensee conducting the match or exhibition.
479	479	449 Section 11. Number and time of rounds; frequency of tournaments or contests; gloves;
480	480	450protective devices
481	481	451 No boxing, kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall
482	482	452exceed 10 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship, it may exceed
483	483	453the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No mixed martial arts match or
484	484	454exhibition shall exceed 3 rounds; provided, however, if a match is to determine a championship,
485	485	455it may exceed the round limits with the prior approval of the commission. No round in a boxing,
486	486	456kickboxing or other unarmed combative sporting match or exhibition shall exceed 3 minutes. No
487	487	457round in a mixed martial arts match or exhibition shall exceed 5 minutes. No contestant in a
488	488	458professional match or exhibition shall participate in more than 10 rounds unless otherwise 23 of 34
489	489	459authorized by the commission, as the case may be, during a 72-hour period. During a contest,
490	490	460contestants in professional boxing and kickboxing matches or exhibitions shall wear gloves
491	491	461weighing at least 8 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by the commission. During a
492	492	462contest, contestants in mixed martial arts and other unarmed combative sporting events, matches
493	493	463or exhibitions shall wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each unless otherwise authorized by
494	494	464the commission. Every contestant participating in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
495	495	465other unarmed combative sporting event or exhibition shall be required to wear standard
496	496	466protective devices as outlined by regulation by the commission.
497	497	467 Section 12. Ages of contestants and persons admitted to matches
498	498	468 (a) Except as hereinafter provided, no contestant under 18 years of age or over 34 years
499	499	469of age shall be permitted to engage in a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed
500	500	470combative sport event, sparring match or exhibition, except that the age requirement shall not
501	501	471apply to a world boxing champion who is still actively engaged as a professional boxer, or to a
502	502	472former boxing champion of the world who has not been inactive as a professional boxer for more
503	503	473than 2 years from the date of their last boxing contest; provided, however, that an amateur boxer
504	504	474shall be allowed to compete as such at the age of 16. At the discretion of the commission, a
505	505	475professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combat sports
506	506	476contest over the age of 34 may be permitted to engage in a match if the contestant has passed a
507	507	477physical examination or is otherwise medically cleared to participate by a physician selected by
508	508	478the commission. At the discretion of the commission, an amateur boxer who is 16 or 17 years of
509	509	479age may be licensed as a professional boxer. The foregoing shall not apply to courses of
510	510	480instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sports
511	511	481sponsored and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organizations, private clubs 24 of 34
512	512	482and athletic associations, schools or colleges, municipal or state park or recreational departments,
513	513	483law enforcement organizations or incorporated, private, nonprofit boxing teams, under the
514	514	484supervision of qualified instructors and directors; provided, however, that at the discretion of the
515	515	485commission the requirements relative to amateur boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
516	516	486unarmed combative sports under sections 4 to 23, inclusive, may apply to such courses of
517	517	487instruction and any related matches or exhibitions.
518	518	488 (b) No person under the age of 16 shall be admitted to, or be present at, a professional
519	519	489match or exhibition unless accompanied by an adult.
520	520	490 Section 13. Boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative
521	521	491sport contestant previously knocked out six or more times
522	522	492 No professional boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed
523	523	493combative sport contestant licensed under section 7 who has been knocked out, technically or
524	524	494otherwise, or lost a contest by way of submission, 6 or more times in the preceding 12 months
525	525	495shall take part in a match or exhibition until they have been examined and found fit to take part
526	526	496in a match or exhibition, by a physician selected by the commission, at a place and time
527	527	497designated by the commission. The cost of conducting the examination shall be borne by the
528	528	498contestant. If a contestant is found unfit to engage in a match or exhibition, they shall be
529	529	499excluded from participation for 3 months, after which time they may make a request to the
530	530	500commission for another physical examination. A license issued to an individual under section 7
531	531	501shall be immediately suspended for at least 30 days if the individual is knocked out.
532	532	502 Section 14. Insurance on contestants 25 of 34
533	533	503 A person licensed under section 5 to conduct boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
534	534	504other unarmed combative sport events, sparring matches or exhibitions, except those persons to
535	535	505whom a special license may be granted thereunder without the requirement of a bond or payment
536	536	506of the annual fee, shall take out a policy of accident insurance on each contestant participating in
537	537	507the match or exhibition in the amount of $5,000 to compensate said contestant for medical and
538	538	508hospital expenses incurred as the result of injuries received in such match or exhibition and a
539	539	509policy in the amount of $50,000 to be paid to the estate of the deceased contestant in the event of
540	540	510death to the contestant resulting from participation in the match or exhibition. The premiums on
541	541	511the policies shall be paid by the licensee.
542	542	512 Section 15. Percentage of receipts paid to commonwealth; reports to commission; filing
543	543	513of contracts entered into for sale, lease or exploitation of broadcasting rights; enforcement
544	544	514 (a) Every licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or
545	545	515other unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or other unarmed combative sporting
546	546	516event, sparring match or exhibition shall, before the commencement of the final feature bout of
547	547	517the event, pay to the commission a sum equal to 5 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
548	548	518sale of tickets or from admission fees. The licensee shall pay to the commission an additional
549	549	519sum equal to 2 per cent of the total gross receipts generated by the sale, lease or other
550	550	520exploitation of the television, pay-per-view, motion picture or other broadcasting rights,
551	551	521regardless of whether the event is broadcast live or in the future, such sum to be paid by the
552	552	522licensee whether or not the licensee ever receives a portion of that amount; provided, however,
553	553	523that if the match or exhibition is conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment
554	554	524of a different character, the portion of the total receipts and the total amount shall be paid to the
555	555	525commonwealth, as the commission may determine or as may be fixed by rule adopted by the 26 of 34
556	556	526commission. If the payment is for a fixed amount, payment shall be made 24 hours prior to the
557	557	527event but in no event shall payment be made later than 48 hours after the live event. Pay-per-
558	558	528view showings of an event more than 48 hours after the live event shall be exempt from the
559	559	529requirements of this section. The broadcasting fee imposed under this section shall be not more
560	560	530than $75,000 per event. Within 72 hours after its conclusion, the licensee shall furnish to the
561	561	531commonwealth a report, showing the exact number of tickets sold and admission fees collected
562	562	532for the contest, the gross receipts thereof and such other data as the commission may require.
563	563	533 (b) A licensee holding or conducting a boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
564	564	534unarmed combative sporting event, sparring match or exhibition shall, at least 48 hours before a
565	565	535licensed contest or exhibition, file with the commission a copy of all contracts entered into for
566	566	536the sale, lease, or other exploitation of broadcasting rights for the contest or exhibition. All
567	567	537contracts filed with the commission under this section shall be exempt from disclosure in section
568	568	53810 of chapter 66. The commission shall enforce this section.
569	569	539 Section 16. Boxers’ Fund
570	570	540 Every licensee holding or conducting any boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts or other
571	571	541unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition shall, before the
572	572	542commencement of the feature bout of the event, pay to the state treasurer, in addition to the
573	573	543payment required under section 15, a sum equal to 1 per cent of the total gross receipts from the
574	574	544sale or tickets or from admission fees; provided, however, that if the match or exhibition is
575	575	545conducted as an incidental feature in an event or entertainment of a different character, the
576	576	546portion of the total receipts shall be paid to the commonwealth as the commission may 27 of 34
577	577	547determine. Such sums shall be credited by the state treasurer to the Boxers’ Fund established
578	578	548pursuant to section 2AAAA½ of chapter 29.
579	579	549 Section 17. Number of persons admitted; limitation
580	580	550 No licensee under section 5 shall sell or cause to be sold or issued more tickets or
581	581	551invitations purporting to admit to any such match or exhibition, or otherwise admit to the same,
582	582	552more persons than are admissible according to the authorized capacity of the building, or part
583	583	553thereof actually used therefor.
584	584	554 Section 18. Revocation or suspension of license; administrative penalty
585	585	555 (a) Any license may be revoked or suspended by the commission for a violation of any
586	586	556provision of this chapter or of any other law of the commonwealth or of any rule or regulation
587	587	557adopted by the commission or whenever the licensee has, in the judgment of the commission,
588	588	558been guilty of any act or offense detrimental to the public interest.
589	589	559 (b) The commission may suspend a license of a combatant issued under section 7 without
590	590	560a hearing upon a finding that it would be unsafe for the individual to compete until either the
591	591	561passing of a fixed period of time or upon medical clearance. The commission may assess an
592	592	562administrative penalty not to exceed $2,000 for each violation of this chapter or the
593	593	563commission’s rules and regulations committed by an individual required to be licensed herein.
594	594	564 Section 19. Financial interest of licensee in boxer; prepayment of contestant
595	595	565 No licensee under section 5 shall have, directly or indirectly, any financial interest in a
596	596	566boxer, kickboxer, mixed martial arts contestant or other unarmed combative sport contestant
597	597	567competing on premises owned or leased by the licensee, or in which the licensee is otherwise 28 of 34
598	598	568interested. No contestant in a match or exhibition shall be paid for services before the same are
599	599	569rendered.
600	600	570 Section 20. Enjoining unlicensed or illegal matches
601	601	571 The superior court shall have jurisdiction in equity upon any information filed by the
602	602	572commission, the attorney general, the district attorney for the district where a match or exhibition
603	603	573is held or is announced to be held, the police authorities of the city or town where a match or
604	604	574exhibition is held or is announced to be held, or by any five legal voters of the commonwealth
605	605	575stating that a certain building, tenement or place is used for matches or exhibitions, whether
606	606	576professional or amateur, by an individual, group, partnership, club, corporation or association not
607	607	577licensed under section 5 or contrary to any provision of this sections 4 to 23, inclusive, or that a
608	608	578match or exhibition is being advertised or announced, or has been advertised or announced, to
609	609	579take place in a certain building or place, or that a certain individual, club, corporation or
610	610	580association is selling, exchanging or giving away tickets, tokens or symbols purporting to entitle
611	611	581the holder to the right or privilege of attending a certain match or exhibition not licensed by the
612	612	582commission and contrary to the provisions of this chapter to enjoin and abate the same as a
613	613	583common nuisance.
614	614	584 Section 21. Prohibition of licensed event by municipality; notice of exercise of municipal
615	615	585option
616	616	586 The commission shall notify a municipality in writing of the issuance of a license for an
617	617	587event scheduled to take place therein within 24 hours of said issuance. At its option, a
618	618	588municipality may prohibit an event licensed by the commission under section 5. The prohibition
619	619	589shall be by a majority vote of the city council with approval of the mayor in a city or by a 29 of 34
620	620	590majority vote of the select board in a town. The municipal option shall be exercised within 7
621	621	591days of issuance of a license by the commission. The municipality shall notify the commission
622	622	592within 24 hours of any such action. Upon receipt of such notice, the commission shall
623	623	593immediately notify the promoter of the determination of the municipality and the license shall be
624	624	594revoked.
625	625	595 Section 22. Courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and other
626	626	596unarmed combative sports or matches or exhibitions sponsored by youth organizations, private
627	627	597clubs, law enforcement agencies, etc.
628	628	598 Except as otherwise provided herein, courses of instruction in boxing, kickboxing, mixed
629	629	599martial arts and other unarmed combative sports, or sparring matches or exhibitions sponsored
630	630	600and conducted by recognized boys and girls clubs, youth organization, private clubs and athletic
631	631	601associations, schools and colleges, law enforcement agencies or municipal or state parks and
632	632	602recreation departments, under the supervision of qualified instructors and directors, shall not
633	633	603require a license under section 5 to be conducted; provided, however, that the commission may
634	634	604at its discretion require a match or exhibition under this section to procure a license under section
635	635	6055 if such match or exhibition is conducted in substantially the same character as amateur or
636	636	606professional matches which require licensure pursuant to this chapter.
637	637	607 Section 23. Statutes not applicable to matches or exhibitions
638	638	608 Sections 9 to 12, inclusive, of chapter 265 shall not apply to any boxing, kickboxing,
639	639	609mixed martial arts or other unarmed combative sporting event or sparring match or exhibition
640	640	610licensed under section 5 and conducted under and in accordance with this chapter and any
641	641	611accompanying rules and regulations promulgated by the commission. 30 of 34
642	642	612 Section 24. Regulation of youth sports; public education campaign; recommendations
643	643	613 (a) The commission shall promulgate rules and regulations related to participation in and
644	644	614the administration of youth sports in the commonwealth. Regulations may include, but not be
645	645	615limited to: (i) maximum participation hours per youth sport in a defined period of time; (ii)
646	646	616licensing of businesses and coaches, including licensing fees and the conditions under which any
647	647	617such licensing fee may be waived to promote access to participation; (iii) criminal offender
648	648	618record information, provided that the commission may prohibit an individual from obtaining any
649	649	619applicable license on the basis of a felony conviction in order to prioritize player safety, at the
650	650	620discretion of the commission; and (iv) standards for player safety, including concussion
651	651	621protocols and athletic trainer requirements.
652	652	622 (b) Except as provided for by any general or special law to the contrary, the commission
653	653	623shall enforce such rules and regulations; provided, however, that penalties for noncompliance
654	654	624under this section may include, but not be limited to: (i) suspension or revocation of any
655	655	625applicable license issued by the commission; (ii) enjoinment and abatement of a particular youth
656	656	626sports event occurring in violation of this section; or (iii) fines as determined by the commission.
657	657	627 (c) The commission shall conduct a public education campaign regarding youth sports.
658	658	628The commission shall exercise its discretion with regard to distribution means and methods;
659	659	629provided, however, that said campaign shall be directed primarily toward parents, coaches, youth
660	660	630athletes and other members of the public. Said campaign shall include, but not be limited to, the
661	661	631physical and mental health, personal financial and economic development impacts of youth
662	662	632sports. The commission shall consult with subject matter experts in the preparation of said
663	663	633campaign, including on the matters of single sport specialization, appropriate training and 31 of 34
664	664	634overtraining conscious of athlete age and the relationship between youth sports participation and
665	665	635higher education or career outcomes.
666	666	636 (d) The commission shall annually, not later than November 1, file a written report with
667	667	637the respective clerks of the senate and house of representatives, the joint committee on economic
668	668	638development and emerging technologies and the joint committee on health care financing
669	669	639describing therein the activities undertaken by the commission regarding youth sports for the
670	670	640prior year, including any recommendations or requests for legislation arising therefrom in
671	671	641furtherance of the purpose of the commission and the current rates of any licensing fees fixed by
672	672	642the commission in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, if any. The commission may, at
673	673	643any time, request or recommend such legislative remedies, provided that any such previously
674	674	644extended request or recommendation shall also be summarized in said report.
675	675	645 SECTION 7. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
676	676	646striking section 2AAAA and inserting in place thereof the following:-
677	677	647 Section 2AAAA. State Athletic Commission Fund
678	678	648 (a) There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate
679	679	649fund to be known as the State Athletic Commission Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic
680	680	650commission, established pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and
681	681	651shall expend monies to finance operational activities of said commission. The fund shall be
682	682	652credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or other monies authorized by the general court and
683	683	653specifically designated to be credited thereto, any monies from licensing fees or other fees and
684	684	654fines collected under sections 4 to 7, inclusive, 15 and 18 of chapter 23O and section 12 of
685	685	655chapter 265 and any monies credited from the Youth Development and Achievement Fund 32 of 34
686	686	656pursuant to section 19 of chapter 23N. All available monies in the fund that are unexpended at
687	687	657the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be available for
688	688	658expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year. Said commission shall record all expenditures made by
689	689	659a subsidiary on the Massachusetts management and account reporting system according to
690	690	660regulations established by the state comptroller. For the purposes of accommodating
691	691	661discrepancies between the receipt of retained revenues and related expenditures, said commission
692	692	662may incur expense and the comptroller may certify for payment amounts not to exceed the lower
693	693	663of $750,000 or the most recent revenue estimate as reported in the state accounting system.
694	694	664 (b) The Massachusetts state athletic commission shall, for the purposes of compliance
695	695	665with state finance law, operate as a state agency as defined in section 1 of chapter 29 and shall be
696	696	666subject to the provisions applicable to agencies under the control of the governor including, but
697	697	667not limited to, chapters 7, 7A, 10 and 29; provided, however, that the comptroller may identify
698	698	668any additional instructions or actions necessary for the commission to manage fiscal operations
699	699	669in the state accounting system and meet statewide and other governmental accounting and audit
700	700	670standards. Unless otherwise exempted by law or the applicable central service agency, said
701	701	671commission shall participate in any other available commonwealth central services including, but
702	702	672not limited to, the state payroll system under section 31 of said chapter 29 and may purchase
703	703	673other goods and services provided by state agencies in accordance with comptroller provisions.
704	704	674The comptroller may chargeback said commission for the transition and ongoing costs for
705	705	675participation in the state accounting and payroll systems and may retain and expend such costs
706	706	676without further appropriation for the purposes of this section. Said commission shall be subject
707	707	677to section 5D of chapter 29 and subsection (f) of section 6B of chapter 29. 33 of 34
708	708	678 (c) The commission shall annually submit a finance plan to the secretary of
709	709	679administration and finance, the chairs of the house and senate committees on ways and means
710	710	680and the chairs of the joint committee on economic development and emerging technologies. Said
711	711	681finance plan shall include, but not be limited to, activities related to the State Athletic
712	712	682Commission Fund and the Boxers’ Fund established pursuant to section 2AAAA½.”
713	713	683 SECTION 8. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby further amended
714	714	684by inserting after section 2AAAA the following new section:-
715	715	685 Section 2AAAA½. Boxers’ Fund
716	716	686 There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate fund
717	717	687to be known as the Boxers’ Fund. The Massachusetts state athletic commission, established
718	718	688pursuant to section 2 of chapter 23O, shall be the trustee of the fund and shall expend for the use
719	719	689and benefit of a contestant or former contestant in an event governed by chapter 23O and any
720	720	690accompanying regulations promulgated by said commission under the purview of said
721	721	691commission for funeral expenses or assistance needed as a result of an injury suffered while
722	722	692participating in such an event. The fund shall be credited any appropriations, bond proceeds or
723	723	693other monies authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited thereto
724	724	694and any monies collected under section 15 of chapter 23O. All available monies in the fund that
725	725	695are unexpended at the end of each fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund and shall be
726	726	696available for expenditure in the subsequent fiscal year.”
727	727	697 SECTION 9. Sections 32 to 51, inclusive, of chapter 147 of the General Laws are hereby
728	728	698repealed. 34 of 34
729	729	699 SECTION 10. Section 9 of chapter 265 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022
730	730	700Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive,
731	731	701of chapter one hundred and forty-seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4
732	732	702to 23, inclusive, of chapter 23O”.
733	733	703 SECTION 11. Section 10 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
734	734	704striking the words “sections thirty-two to fifty, inclusive, of chapter one hundred and forty-
735	735	705seven” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter
736	736	70623O”.
737	737	707 SECTION 12. Section 12 of said chapter 265, as so appearing, is hereby amended by
738	738	708striking the words “sections 32 to 50A, inclusive, of chapter 147,” and inserting in place thereof
739	739	709the following:- “sections 4 to 23, inclusive, of chapter 23O”.