Public Safety and Security Committee

JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT

SPONSORS OF BILL:

Public Safety and Security Committee

REASONS FOR BILL:

To regulate the sport of mixed martial arts since there are currently no rules or regulations mandated by a state agency in Connecticut.

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

None stated.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

Representative Sean Williams, 68^th District, submitted testimony in support of this bill. This bill will regulate the sport of mixed martial arts while securing the competitors' safety in addition to creating revenue for the State of Connecticut through licensing and registration fees and a 5% tax imposed on the gross sale of tickets.

Representative Matthew Lesser, 100^th District, submitted testimony in support of this bill. He stated that it would boost local ecomonic activities and increase revenue. He also pointed that the industry asked to be regulated and that Connecticut is one of only two states who currently do not have legislation legalizing mixed martial arts.

Representative Matt Ritter, 1^st District, submitted testimony in support of this bill. This bill will regulate the sport of mixed martial arts while securing the competitors' safety in addition to creating revenue for the state of Connecticut through licensing and registration fees, and a 5% tax imposed on the gross sale of tickets. Currently 44 states have legalized and regulated MMA matches. It is imperative that Connecticut sets appropriate standards concerning safety by not allowing matches to remain unregulated.

Representative Joe Aresimowicz, 30^th District, submitted testimony in support of this bill. This bill will regulate the sport of mixed martial arts while securing the competitors' safety in addition to creating revenue for the state of Connecticut through licensing and registration fees, and a 5% tax imposed on the gross sale of tickets. The sport is operating in the state already in an unregulated manner, so regulating the MMA will ensure safety and proper practice and standards.

Marc Ratner, Zuffa, LLC, testified in support of this bill. He stated that the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization seeks to have all 50 states compose regulations for the sport. Since Zuffa, LLC headed the organization, the UFC has been restructured and given a new goal towards safety for the participants and the spectators. The UFC organization understands that in order to secure safety to the participants and the integrity of the sport, they need the support of a system of regulations.

Connecticut Restaurant Association testified in support of this bill. They statted that it will greatly benefit the hospitality industry and they support any legislative proposal that will help create economic growth for the state while encouraging people to partake in the numerous dinning establishments, sporting venues and hotels that Connecticut has to offer.

Keith Sheldon, AEG, testified in support of this bill. As director of affairs for the XL center, he stated that it is a necessity to ensure first-class entertainment for the facility. Mixed martial arts has a remarkable fan base that continues to grow worldwide, bringing record-breaking crowds and creating revenue for the venues, surrounding businesses, and the state. The state would stand to gain a 10% state admission tax on an estimated $2 million-plus ticket gross, in conjunction with the fees for the issuance of licenses to sponsors and participants. Placing MMA fighting under the same jurisdiction of the State Boxing Commission would allow for the state to regulate the MMA and to ensure the safety of its fighters in addition to its fans, while helping to create a financial benefit for the state.

Charles Dowd, Webster Bank Arena, testified in support of this bill. He stated that one of the largest obstacles in running the arena is securing superior, profitable programming, which mixed martial arts provides. The economic benefits the MMA could provide to the city of Bridgeport, its citizens, and its business alike in addition to the revenue it could potentially create for the state of Connecticut would prove to be economically significant. By bringing MMA to CT we will stop ceding opportunities to our neighboring states and keep CT resident's entertainment dollars within the state.

James W. Donohue, Esq. testified in support of this bill. He stated that in addition to creating revenue for the state, it would also create a safe environment for MMA fighters to perfect their craft. Regulating the sport is paramount to MMA in regard to the safety of the fighters and the fiscal aspects that could positively impact the state through the licensures these regulations would create.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

Lori Pelletier, Connecticut AFL-CIO, testified in opposition to this bill. She stated that the MMA world has created many problems for Nevada's AFL-CIO, with almost 80 unfair labor practices that include demeaning slurs about women and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community; by using bullying as a form of entertainment, it is clear that these MMA owners are not responsible partners.