RELATING TO COMBAT SPORTS.

Renamed the State Boxing Commission to the Combat Sports Commission and expanded its jurisdiction to include all combat sports and mixed martial arts.

Repealed Chapter 440E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which previously governed mixed martial arts contests separately from boxing.

Added mandatory neurological and eye examinations for contestants knocked out in contests, plus automatic medical suspensions based on severity of head injuries.

Required promoters to provide medical insurance for all contestants and post-contest drug testing at the promoter's expense.

Prohibited commission members and staff from receiving compensation or having financial interests in combat sports contestants.

Required promoters to submit contracts, ring records, and unedited video recordings of contests to the commission for review.

Established penalties including fines up to $5,000 per violation, license revocation, and prohibition from future combat sports activities.

Created a compliance resolution fund financed by promoter fees (2-3% of gross receipts) to cover commission operating costs.

Set the bill's effective date to July 1, 2050, which appears to be an error or placeholder date.

Added new definitions for 'combat sports,' 'combat sports contest,' 'manager,' and 'no rules combat or similar contest' to clarify regulatory boundaries.

Commission jurisdiction expanded to include combat sports contests beyond boxing, including MMA, kickboxing, and grappling.

Repealed the existing Mixed Martial Arts Contests Program under chapter 440E.

New requirements for medical exams, drug testing, financial bonds, and video recording of all contests.

Established penalties including license revocation, fines up to $5,000 per violation, and automatic suspension for failed drug tests.

Added new definitions for 'combat sports,' 'combat sports contestant,' and 'no rules combat or similar contest'.

Appropriated funds for full-time equivalent positions to staff the expanded commission.

Set effective date of July 1, 2025, with some provisions taking effect on July 1, 3000 (likely a placeholder error).

Renamed the Boxing Commission of Hawaii to the Combat Sports Commission of Hawaii and expanded its jurisdiction to include mixed martial arts and other combat sports disciplines.

Repealed Chapter 440E, Hawaii Revised Statutes, which previously governed mixed martial arts contests under a separate regulatory framework.

Established comprehensive safety requirements including mandatory medical examinations, neurological testing for knocked-out fighters, drug testing, and requirements for licensed health care providers at all contests.

Created a licensing system requiring promoters, referees, judges, managers, and contestants to obtain commission approval before participating in combat sports contests.

Prohibited 'no rules combat or similar contests' and established penalties including license revocation, fines up to $5,000 per violation, and suspension for drug test failures.

Appropriated funds for full-time equivalent positions within the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs to establish and fund the combat sports commission for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

Set the effective date for most provisions to April 1, 2026, with the appropriation taking effect July 1, 2025, though the original draft showed a placeholder date of July 1, 3000.