HB 126 (BR 298) - R. Meeks
AN ACT relating to boxing and wrestling.
Create a new section of KRS Chapter 229 to require that two physicians be present at each professional match; authorize a physician to stop a fight if a contestant's physical or mental condition so requires; amend KRS 229.180 to establish administrative regulations to set out when the weigh-ins are to occur, require that a promoter ensure a contestant has health insurance, and require that a licensed physician and an ambulance be present at the professional match; amend KRS 229.111 to require that a physician performing examinations of boxing and wrestling contestants be licensed by and in good standing with the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, have medical malpractice insurance in an amount determined by the board, have never had his or her license suspended or revoked in any jurisdiction, and have training in ringside medicine; require that a urine test be given on the day of the match; prohibit contestants who have been knocked out, experienced several consecutive losses, or possess a serious injury from participating until the contestant supplies the commission with proof of having undergone medical tests which indicate that the contestant is well enough to participate; authorize the commission to establish administrative regulations setting out high-risk conditions that warrant more extensive testing; require a contestant to undergo a blood test prior to participating in a match and authorize the commission to cancel the match of a contestant who has a communicable disease that threatens the contestants' or other licensees' health; amend KRS 229.151 to establish requirements for the physician serving on the commission; prohibit a member of the commission or his or her family members or affiliates from having a financial interest in any person or business entity involved in or connected with the boxing industry; amend KRS 229.171 to require the commission to maintain records and electronically record commission hearings and other proceedings; amend KRS 229.081 to prohibit specified persons from serving in another managerial or official role for the same contestant.
HB 126 - AMENDMENTS
HCS (1) - Retain original provisions; add provisions specifying that certain test be given at specified frequencies; require that officials be vaccinated for hepatitis B and C and HIV; require that physicians receive continuing education in ringside medicine as a condition of their continued involvement in the sport; require that a final physical examination be given within 3 hours of the bout; require that a contestant be precluded from sparring or boxing if he or she has experienced a technical knockout in the past 30 or 45 days, respectively; require that a suspended boxer be reinstated only by the suspending commission; require that bio-hazard bags be placed in the corners of the ring and in the dressing rooms and that disposable gloves be worn by officials during the match; require professionals to submit a signed medical information release to the commission by which it may access medical records
HCS (2) - Retain original provisions except delete requirement that two physicians be present at ring and require that only one be present; add provision requiring that certain tests be given at specified frequencies; require that physicians receive continuing education in ringside medicine as a condition of their continued involvement in the sport; require that a final physical examination be given within 24 hours of the bout; require that a person be placed on medical suspension if he or she experiences knockouts or technical knockouts or has more than six consecutive losses; delete requirement that a person who has fought more than 200 rounds undergo extensive testing prior to participating in a match; require that officials wear disposable gloves and that bio-hazard bags be used; prohibit the use of flash photography at the match; delete provision that urine tests be given on the day of the match and require such tests be given as determined by the commission; require contestant to provide access to medical records to the commission; permit the physician or the board to require that a contestant undergo additional tests.
(Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)
Jan 6-introduced in House; to Licensing and Occupations (H)
Jan 12-posted in committee
Jan 14-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute
Jan 15-2nd reading, to Rules; posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for January 16, 2004
Jan 16-taken from the Regular Orders of the Day; recommitted to Licensing and Occupations (H)
Jan 21-posted in committee
Jan 28-reported favorably, to Rules with Committee Substitute (2)
Jan 29-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Friday, January 30, 2004
Jan 30-3rd reading, passed 89-0 with Committee Substitute (2)
Feb 2-received in Senate
Feb 5-to Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations (S)
