H. B. 2665
(By Delegate Eldridge)
[Introduced February 19, 2009; referred to the
Committee on Government Organization then the Judiciary.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §29-5A-3a, relating
to authorizing mixed martial arts competitions; and
authorizing the State Athletic Commission propose rules.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §29-5A-3a, to read as
follows:
ARTICLE 5A. STATE ATHLETIC COMMISSION.
§29-5A-3a. Mixed martial arts competitions;
Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary,
mixed martial arts competitions or mixed martial arts tournaments
are authorized and lawful. "Mixed martial arts" means a full
contact combat sport that allows a wide variety of fighting
techniques, from a mixture of martial arts traditions and nontraditions.
The State Athletic Commission shall propose rules for
legislative approval in accordance with the provisions of article
three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to authorize mixed martial
arts competitions. The State Athletic Commission has rule-making
authority.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from
the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would
be added.