New Mexico Athletic Commission Update

Sen James Taylor

Kung fu fighting: The state Senate is striking a blow for more regulations on martial-arts competitions.

The Senate last week passed SB 305, sponsored by Sen. James Taylor, D-Albuquerque, which would give the New Mexico Athletic Commission control and jurisdiction over all contests and exhibitions involving unarmed mixed martial-arts combatants.

“In addition to increasing the safety and professionalism of these contests, SB 305 will bring this sport to a new level and allow us to better attract large-profile contests to our state,” Taylor said Monday in a written statement.

The bill is now in the House, where it was assigned hearings before the Health and Government Affairs Committee and Business and Industry Committee.

Looking ahead: The Senate will have a floor session at 10 a.m. today, and the House of Representatives will meet at 10:30 a.m.

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