HB 2751

                                                  PRINTER'S NO.   3843
                THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
                    HOUSE BILL
                    No. 2751
                                            Session of
                                              2026
INTRODUCED BY BURGOS, GUZMAN, SANCHEZ AND HADDOCK,
   AUGUST 27, 2026
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON STATE GOVERNMENT, AUGUST 27, 2026
                                 AN ACT
1 Amending Title 5 (Athletics and Sports) of the Pennsylvania
2    Consolidated Statutes, providing for mixed martial arts;
3    establishing the Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts;
4    imposing duties on the State Athletic Commission; and
5    abrogating regulations.
6    The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
7 hereby enacts as follows:
8    Section 1.    Part I of Title 5 of the Pennsylvania
9 Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subpart to read:
10SUBPART D
11MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
12 Chapter
13    25.    Preliminary Provisions
14    25A.   Operations Generally
15    25B.   Professional Mixed Martial Arts
16    25C.   Amateur Mixed Martial Arts
17    25D.   Miscellaneous Provisions
18CHAPTER 25
19PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1 Sec.
2 2501.   Scope of subpart.
3 2502.   Definitions.
4 2503.   Applicability of other law.
5 § 2501.    Scope of subpart.
6    This subpart relates to professional and amateur mixed
7 martial arts.
8 § 2502.    Definitions.
9    The following words and phrases when used in this subpart
10 shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
11 context clearly indicates otherwise:
12    "Building."     Includes an outdoor venue in which a competition
13 is held.
14    "Competition."      A contest or exhibition.
15    "Contest."     A fully sanctioned, competitive professional or
16 amateur bout involving mixed martial arts in which:
17(1)   contestants try to win the bout; and
18(2)   the outcome affects the official fight records of
19    the contestants.
20    "Contestant."     An individual who engages in mixed martial
21 arts competition, either as a professional or as an amateur.
22    "Exhibition."     A nonscoring, friendly sparring match
23 involving mixed martial arts:
24(1)   which is designed for entertainment purposes;
25(2)   in which an official winner is not declared; and
26(3)   in which the outcome does not affect the official
27    fight records of the contestants.
28    "Flagrant foul."       An intentional foul, using a foul technique
29 under section 25B10(b) (relating to acts constituting fouls) or
30 25C12(b) (relating to acts constituting fouls), that causes a
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1 crippling injury upon an opponent, so that the injured
2 contestant is adjudged incapable of continuing the contest or
3 exhibition.
4    "Mixed martial arts."     Competition involving the use, subject
5 to any applicable limitations specified under this subpart, of a
6 combination of techniques from different disciplines of the
7 martial arts, including grappling, kicking and striking.
8    "Official."     Includes a judge, referee, timekeeper and
9 scorekeeper.
10    "Promoter."
11(1)   A person that produces, arranges or stages a
12    professional or amateur competition.
13(2)   For the purposes of paragraph (1), if the person is
14    a corporation, the term "person" includes an officer,
15    director, employee or stockholder of the corporation.
16    "Subcommission."     The Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts
17 established under section 25D01 (relating to Subcommission on
18 Mixed Martial Arts).
19 § 2503.    Applicability of other law.
20    Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the provisions
21 of Subpart B (relating to boxing), as they relate to
22 professional boxers, and 58 Pa. Code Ch. 21 (relating to
23 professional boxing) apply to professional and amateur
24 contestants, promoters and other licensees.
25CHAPTER 25A
26OPERATIONS GENERALLY
27 Sec.
28 25A01.    Supervision and authority.
29 25A02.    Fees.
30 25A03.    Insurance.
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1 25A04.   Ring or fenced area.
2 25A05.   Results of competition.
3 25A06.   Use of prohibited substances.
4 25A07.   Promoters.
5 25A08.   Limits regarding competitions.
6 25A09.   Officials.
7 § 25A01.    Supervision and authority.
8    Each professional and amateur competition shall be conducted
9 under the supervision and authority of the commission.
10 § 25A02.    Fees.
11    Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the fees
12 specified under 58 Pa. Code Ch. 13 (relating to bonds and fees)
13 apply to mixed martial arts permits, contestants, promoters and
14 other licensees.
15 § 25A03.    Insurance.
16    Each professional and amateur contestant at a competition
17 shall be covered by insurance, which shall be established by
18 commission policy and paid for by the promoter of the
19 competition.
20 § 25A04. Ring or fenced area.
21    (a)     Competition generally.--Each competition must be held in
22 a ring or a fenced area.
23    (b)     Ring requirements.--A ring used in a competition must
24 meet the following requirements:
25(1)   The ring must be at least 20 feet square and no
26    larger than 32 feet square within the ropes.
27(2)   The ring floor must extend at least 18 inches beyond
28    the ropes and must be padded with Ensolite, vinyl or similar
29    closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam
30    padding. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over
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1    the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck
2    cloth or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the
3    ring platform. Material that gathers in lumps or ridges may
4    not be used.
5(3)   The ring platform:
6(i)    Must not be more than four feet above the floor
7of the building.
8(ii)    Must have suitable steps for the use of the
9contestants.
10(4)   Ring posts must be:
11(i)    Four in number.
12(ii)    Made of metal.
13(iii)    In a position extending from the floor of the
14building to a minimum height of 58 inches above the ring
15floor.
16(iv)    Properly padded in a manner approved by the
17commission.
18(v)    At least 18 inches away from the ring ropes.
19(5)   There must be five ring ropes, at least one inch in
20    diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest ring rope
21    must be 12 inches above the ring floor.
22(6)   There may not be any obstruction or object,
23    including a triangular border, on any part of the ring floor.
24    (c)   Fenced area requirements.--A fenced area used in a
25 competition must meet the following requirements:
26(1)   The fenced area must be:
27(i)    Circular or have at least six equal sides.
28(ii)    At least 20 feet wide and no larger than 32
29feet wide.
30(2)   The floor of the fenced area must be padded with
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1  Ensolite, vinyl or another similar closed-cell foam, with at
2  least a one-inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering
3  of canvas, duck cloth or similar material tightly stretched
4  and laced to the platform of the fenced area. Material that
5  gathers in lumps or ridges may not be used.
6      (3)   The platform of the fenced area:
7(i)    Must not be more than four feet above the floor
8      of the building.
9(ii)    Must have suitable steps for the use of the
10      contestants.
11      (4)   Fence posts must be:
12(i)    At least six in number.
13(ii)    Made of metal.
14(iii)    In a position extending from the floor of the
15      building to between six and seven feet above the floor of
16      the fenced area.
17(iv)    Properly padded in a manner approved by the
18      commission.
19      (5)   The fencing used to enclose the fenced area must be
20  made of a material that will prevent a contestant from
21  falling out of the fenced area or breaking through the fenced
22  area onto the floor of the building or onto the spectators,
23  including chain link fence coated with vinyl.
24      (6)   A metal portion of the fenced area:
25(i)    Must be covered and padded in a manner approved
26      by the commission.
27(ii)    May not be abrasive to the contestants.
28      (7)   The fenced area must have at least two entrances.
29      (8)   An obstruction may not be placed on a part of the
30  fence that surrounds the area where contestants compete.
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1    (d)     Cleaning.--The promoter of the competition shall be
2 responsible to thoroughly clean the ring area after each match.
3 § 25A05.    Results of competition.
4    (a)     End of competition.--A competition may end under the
5 following results:
6(1)   Through submission by:
7(i)    Physical tap out.
8(ii)    Verbal tap out.
9(2)   Technical knockout by the referee stopping the
10    contest.
11(3)   Decision by means of the scorecards, including
12    unanimous decision, split decision or majority decision.
13(4)   Draw.
14(5)   Technical decision.
15(6)   Technical draw.
16(7)   Disqualification.
17(8)   Forfeit.
18(9)   No contest.
19    (b)     Referee and physician.--The referee and ringside
20 physician are:
21(1)   The sole arbiters of a competition.
22(2)   The only individuals authorized to enter the ring or
23    fenced area at any time during competition and stop a
24    competition.
25 § 25A06.    Use of prohibited substances.
26    The use of any illegal drug, narcotic, stimulant, depressant,
27 analgesic of any description or alcohol substance by a
28 contestant either before or during a competition will result in
29 the immediate disqualification of the contestant from the match
30 and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with section
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1 1304 (relating to suspension or revocation of licenses or
2 permits).
3 § 25A07.    Promoters.
4    (a)     License.--A promoter must be licensed by the commission.
5    (b)     Bond.--A promoter shall execute and file a surety bond
6 with the commission of not less than $10,000.
7    (c)     Notification.--A promoter of a competition shall notify
8 the commission in writing of the date, time and location of the
9 competition. The notice must be received by the commission at
10 least 10 days in advance of the competition.
11    (d)     Approval.--A competition may not be held unless the
12 promoter of the competition receives written approval from the
13 commission to hold the competition.
14    (e)     Lists.--A promoter shall submit a written list of the
15 following to the commission:
16(1)   All the scheduled match-ups of a competition,
17    including the full names, records and scheduled rounds for
18    all the contestants of the competition.
19(2)   All the officials who may be working at a
20    competition.
21 § 25A08.    Limits regarding competitions.
22    The commission reserves the right to limit the number of the
23 following:
24(1)   Competitions per month to ensure the proper
25    regulation of each competition.
26(2)   Mixed martial arts bouts scheduled for each
27    competition.
28 § 25A09.    Officials.
29    (a)     Approval.--The commission must approve officials for
30 competitions.
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1    (b)     License.--Officials for professional competitions must
2 be licensed by the commission.
3CHAPTER 25B
4PROFESSIONAL MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
5 Sec.
6 25B01.   Debut professional contestants.
7 25B02.   Licenses.
8 25B03.   Duration of rounds.
9 25B04.   Weight classes.
10 25B05.   Proper attire.
11 25B06.   Physical appearance.
12 25B07.   Equipment.
13 25B08.   Method of judging.
14 25B09.   Scoring.
15 25B10.   Acts constituting fouls.
16 25B11.   Deduction of points for fouls and effect of low blow.
17 25B12.   Accidental fouls.
18 § 25B01.    Debut professional contestants.
19    A debut professional contestant shall complete a commission-
20 approved form detailing the professional contestant's experience
21 and training in mixed martial arts competitions. The form may be
22 obtained from the commission office, by request, or from the
23 publicly accessible Internet website of the commission.
24 § 25B02.    Licenses.
25    (a)     License required.--A professional contestant shall be
26 licensed by the commission.
27    (b)     Review of information.--As part of its determination
28 whether to issue or renew a license for a professional
29 contestant, the commission may review the applicant's
30 experience, qualifications, medical records, win-loss record and
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1 training record.
2 § 25B03.    Duration of rounds.
3    Except with the written or oral permission of the commission
4 or the executive director:
5(1)   A nonchampionship professional contest may not
6    exceed three rounds of five minutes per round with a one-
7    minute rest period following each round.
8(2)   A championship professional contest may not exceed
9    five rounds of five minutes per round with a one-minute rest
10    period following each round.
11 § 25B04.    Weight classes.
12    (a)     Classes.--The weight classes for professional
13 contestants in competitions are as follows:
14(1)   Flyweight, which is 125 pounds or less.
15(2)   Bantamweight, which is more than 125 pounds but 135
16    pounds or less.
17(3)   Featherweight, which is more than 135 pounds but 145
18    pounds or less.
19(4)   Lightweight, which is more than 145 pounds but 155
20    pounds or less.
21(5)   Welterweight, which is more than 155 pounds but 170
22    pounds or less.
23(6)   Middleweight, which is more than 170 pounds but 185
24    pounds or less.
25(7)   Light heavyweight, which is more than 185 pounds but
26    205 pounds or less.
27(8)   Heavyweight, which is more than 205 pounds but 265
28    pounds or less.
29(9)   Super heavyweight, which is more than 265 pounds.
30    (b)     Application.--Sections 710 (relating to weights and
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1 classes) and 711 (relating to limitation on difference in
2 weights) apply to professional competitions and professional
3 contestants.
4 § 25B05.    Proper attire.
5    (a)     Trunks.--Each professional contestant shall wear mixed
6 martial arts shorts, biker shorts, boxing shorts or kickboxing
7 shorts during competition as approved by the commission.
8    (b)     Shirt or gi.--
9(1)   A male professional contestant may not wear a shirt
10    or gi during competition.
11(2)   A female professional contestant shall wear a body
12    shirt and blouse during competition.
13    (c)     Shoes.--A professional contestant may not wear shoes or
14 padding on the feet during competition.
15 § 25B06.    Physical appearance.
16    (a)     Cleanliness.--Each professional contestant shall present
17 a clean appearance.
18    (b)     Grease or foreign substance.--
19(1)   The excessive use of grease or any other foreign
20    substance, including grooming creams, lotions or sprays, may
21    not be used on the hair or any portion of the body of a
22    professional contestant.
23(2)   The referee or the commission shall cause any
24    excessive grease or foreign substance to be removed from the
25    hair or body of a professional contestant.
26(3)   A light coating of petroleum jelly is permitted on
27    the face only of a professional contestant. The coating:
28(i)    Must be applied at cage side or ring side in the
29presence of the referee or the commission.
30(ii)   Is at the discretion of the referee.
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1    (c)     Facial hair.--
2(1)   The commission shall determine whether the head or
3    facial hair of a professional contestant:
4(i)    presents a hazard to the safety of the
5professional contestant or the opponent of the
6professional contestant; or
7(ii)    will interfere with the supervision and conduct
8of the competition.
9(2)   If the commission determines that either of the
10    circumstances under paragraph (1) exists, the professional
11    contestant may not participate in the competition unless the
12    circumstance is resolved to the satisfaction of the
13    commission.
14(3)   Without limiting the standard in this subsection,
15    head hair must be trimmed or tied back in a manner that it
16    will not interfere with the vision of either professional
17    contestant or cover any part of a professional contestant's
18    face.
19    (d)     Jewelry.--During competition, a professional contestant
20 may not wear jewelry or other piercing accessories.
21    (e)     Taping.--Taping of the hands, wrists or ankles of a
22 professional contestant is permitted at the discretion of the
23 commission.
24    (f)     Nails.--For a competition, the fingernails and toenails
25 of a professional contestant must be trimmed.
26 § 25B07.    Equipment.
27    (a)     Gloves.--
28(1)   The gloves used in professional competitions must be
29    new for all main events.
30(2)   The gloves used for all undercard events must be in
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1    good condition and approved by the referee and the executive
2    director or a designee before and during use or they must be
3    replaced.
4(3)   Each professional contestant shall wear open-finger
5    gloves weighing between four and eight ounces.
6(4)   The gloves described in paragraph (3) shall be
7    supplied by the promoter and approved by the referee and the
8    executive director or a designee before and during use.
9(5)   Professional contestants are not permitted to supply
10    their own gloves.
11    (b)     Protective gear.--
12(1)   Each male professional contestant shall provide and
13    wear a foul-proof groin protector during competition. The
14    groin protector is subject to examination and approval by the
15    referee and the executive director or a designee.
16(2)   Each female professional contestant:
17(i)    Shall provide and wear a chest protector during
18competition. The chest protector is subject to
19examination and approval by the referee and the executive
20director or a designee.
21(ii)   May provide and wear a foul-proof groin
22protector during competition. The groin protector is
23subject to examination and approval by the referee and
24the executive director or a designee.
25    (c)     Water bucket and stool.--For each professional
26 competition, the promoter shall provide each professional
27 contestant's corner with a clean water bucket and a stool.
28 § 25B08.    Method of judging.
29    The method of judging professional competitions must comply
30 with requirements under Subpart B (relating to boxing), as they
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1 relate to professional boxers, and 58 Pa. Code Ch. 21 (relating
2 to professional boxing).
3 § 25B09.    Scoring.
4    (a)     Evaluation.--Judges in professional competitions shall
5 evaluate professional mixed martial arts techniques in the
6 following order:
7(1)   Effective striking.
8(2)   Effective grappling.
9(3)   Fighting area control.
10(4)   Effective aggressiveness/defense.
11    (b)     Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
12 words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
13 subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
14    "Effective aggressiveness/defense."     Moving forward and
15 landing a legal strike, while avoiding being struck, taken down
16 or reversed, or both, while performing the maneuvers described
17 in this subsection.
18    "Effective grappling."     The successful execution of a legal
19 takedown or reversal, or both, including the following
20 maneuvers:
21(1)   Takedowns from standing position to mount position.
22(2)   Passing the guard to mount position.
23(3)   Bottom position fighters using an active,
24    threatening guard.
25    "Effective striking."     The total number of legal heavy
26 strikes landed.
27    "Fighting area control."     Dictating the pace, location and
28 position using the following maneuvers:
29(1)   Countering an opponent's attempt at takedown to
30    remain standing and legally striking effectively.
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1(2)    Taking down an opponent to force a ground fight.
2(3)    Creating threatening submission attempts past the
3    guard to achieve mount, while on the ground.
4(4)    Creating striking opportunities.
5 § 25B10.    Acts constituting fouls.
6    (a)     Disqualification.--Disqualification from a professional
7 competition occurs after any combination of three fouls or after
8 a flagrant foul as determined by the referee.
9    (b)     Acts.--The following acts constitute fouls in a
10 professional competition:
11(1)    Butting with the head.
12(2)    Eye gouging of any kind.
13(3)    Biting.
14(4)    Hair pulling.
15(5)    Fishhooking.
16(6)    Groin attacks of any kind.
17(7)    Putting a finger into any orifice or into any cut or
18    laceration on an opponent.
19(8)    Small joint manipulation.
20(9)    Striking to the spine or the back of the head.
21(10)    Striking downward using the point of the elbow.
22(11)    Throat strikes of any kind, including grabbing the
23    trachea.
24(12)    Clawing, pinching or twisting the flesh.
25(13)    Grabbing the clavicle.
26(14)    Kicking the head of a grounded opponent.
27(15)    Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent.
28(16)    Stomping a grounded opponent.
29(17)    Kicking to the kidney with the heel.
30(18)    Spiking an opponent to the floor surface on the
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1    opponents' head or neck.
2(19)    Throwing an opponent out of the ring or fenced
3    area.
4(20)    Holding the shorts or gloves of an opponent.
5(21)    Spitting at an opponent.
6(22)    Engaging in any type of unsportsmanlike conduct,
7    especially that which may cause an injury to an opponent.
8(23)    Holding the ropes or the fence.
9(24)    Using abusive language in the ring or fenced area.
10(25)    Attacking an opponent on or during the break.
11(26)    Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the
12    referee.
13(27)    Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded
14    the end of the period of competition.
15(28)    Disregarding the instructions of the referee.
16(29)    Timidity, including:
17(i)    Avoiding contact with an opponent.
18(ii)    Intentionally or consistently dropping the
19mouthpiece.
20(iii)    Faking an injury.
21(30)    Interference by the corner. Team members, including
22    cornermen and trainers, shall stay in their designated area
23    at all times during a competition.
24 § 25B11.    Deduction of points for fouls and effect of low blow.
25    (a)     Process for deduction of points.--If a professional
26 contestant fouls an opponent during a competition, the referee
27 may penalize the professional contestant by deducting points
28 from the professional contestant's score, whether or not the
29 foul was intentional. The following apply to the deduction of
30 points:
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1(1)   Except as otherwise provided in 58 Pa. Code Ch. 21
2    (relating to professional boxing), the referee may determine
3    the number of points to be deducted in each instance and
4    shall base the determination on the severity of the foul and
5    its effect upon the opponent.
6(2)   When the referee determines that it is necessary to
7    deduct a point or points because of a foul, the referee shall
8    warn the offender of the penalty to be assessed.
9(3)   As soon as is practical after the foul, the referee
10    shall notify the judges and both contestants of the number of
11    points, if any, to be deducted from the score of the
12    offender.
13(4)   Any points to be deducted for a foul shall be
14    deducted in the round in which the foul occurred and may not
15    be deducted from the score of a subsequent round.
16    (b)     Low blow.--A professional contestant may not be declared
17 the winner of a competition on the basis of the professional
18 contestant's claim that the professional contestant's opponent
19 accidentally fouled the professional contestant by hitting in
20 the groin. If the professional contestant falls to the floor of
21 the ring or fenced area or otherwise indicates an unwillingness
22 to continue after a maximum of a five-minute rest period,
23 because of a claim of being hit in the groin, the competition
24 shall be declared to be a technical knockout in favor of the
25 contestant who is willing to continue.
26 § 25B12.    Accidental fouls.
27    (a)     Determination.--If a professional competition is stopped
28 because of an accidental foul, the referee, with advice from the
29 ringside physician, shall determine whether the professional
30 contestant who has been fouled can continue or not.
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1    (b)   Competition to continue.--If a professional contestant's
2 chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result
3 of a foul, the referee may order that the competition continue
4 after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes.
5    (c)   Notification.--Immediately after separating the
6 contestants because of a foul, the referee shall inform the
7 commission's representative of a determination that the foul was
8 accidental.
9    (d)   Competition not to continue.--If the referee determines
10 that a competition may not continue because of an injury
11 suffered as the result of an accidental foul, the competition
12 shall be declared a no contest if the foul occurs during either
13 of the following:
14(1)   The first two rounds of a nonchampionship
15    competition.
16(2)   The first three rounds of a championship
17    competition.
18    (e)   Outcome.--
19(1)   If an accidental foul renders a professional
20    contestant unable to continue the competition after the
21    completed second round of a nonchampionship competition, or
22    after the completed third round of a championship
23    competition, the outcome shall be determined by scoring the
24    completed rounds and the round during which the referee stops
25    the competition.
26(2)   If an injury inflicted by an accidental foul later
27    becomes aggravated by fair blows and the referee orders the
28    competition stopped because of the injury, the outcome shall
29    be determined by scoring the completed rounds and the round
30    during which the referee stops the competition.
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1CHAPTER 25C
2AMATEUR MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
3 Sec.
4 25C01.    Applicability of Chapter 25B.
5 25C02.    Amateur contestants.
6 25C03.    Licenses.
7 25C04.    Prebout meeting.
8 25C05.    Conduct of contests.
9 25C06.    Duration of rounds.
10 25C07.    Proper attire.
11 25C08.    Jewelry prohibited.
12 25C09.    Equipment.
13 25C10.    Facial hair.
14 25C11.    Legal techniques.
15 25C12.    Acts constituting fouls.
16 25C13.    Age brackets.
17 25C14.    Weight.
18 25C15.    Medical information and testing.
19 § 25C01.    Applicability of Chapter 25B.
20    Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the provisions
21 of Chapter 25B (relating to professional mixed martial arts)
22 apply to amateur mixed martial arts under this chapter.
23 § 25C02.    Amateur contestants.
24    (a)     Age.--An amateur contestant shall be at least 12 years
25 of age.
26    (b)     Debut amateur contestants.--
27(1)   A debut amateur contestant shall complete a
28    commission-approved form detailing the amateur contestant's
29    experience and training in mixed martial arts competitions.
30    The form may be obtained from the commission office, by
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1    request, or from the publicly accessible Internet website of
2    the commission.
3(2)   The trainer of a debut amateur contestant shall
4    certify that the debut amateur contestant is skilled enough
5    to compete and has never engaged in any type of professional
6    mixed martial arts event.
7    (c)     Professional boxer.--A professional boxer may compete as
8 an amateur in a mixed martial arts event only with the approval
9 of the commission.
10 § 25C03.    Licenses.
11    (a)     License required.--An amateur contestant shall be
12 licensed by the commission.
13    (b)     Review of information.--As part of its determination
14 whether to issue or renew a license for an amateur contestant,
15 the commission may review the applicant's experience,
16 qualifications, medical records, win-loss record and training
17 record.
18    (c)     Fee.--A nonrefundable annual license fee of $10 must
19 accompany each application for a license or renewal of a license
20 as an amateur contestant.
21 § 25C04.    Prebout meeting.
22    Each amateur contestant shall attend a prebout meeting with a
23 designee of the commission to review all rules and regulations
24 of the commission pertaining to amateur mixed martial arts.
25 § 25C05.    Conduct of contests.
26    (a)     Separate events.--Contests of amateur and professional
27 mixed martial arts shall be conducted as separate events.
28    (b)     Physician.--The promoter of an amateur competition shall
29 employ a physician to be present at all times during the
30 competition. The following apply regarding the physician:
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1(1)   The physician:
2(i)    Shall observe the physical condition of the
3contestants throughout the competition.
4(ii)    May terminate the competition when, in the
5judgment of the physician, severe injury would result if
6the competition were to continue.
7(2)   The promoter shall pay the fee of the physician.
8    (c)     Ambulance or paramedical unit.--
9(1)   Except as provided in paragraph (2), the promoter of
10    an amateur competition shall make arrangements to have an
11    ambulance or paramedical unit present at all times during the
12    competition in case a serious injury occurs.
13(2)   If an ambulance or paramedical unit is located
14    within five miles of the site of an amateur competition and
15    the promoter notifies the unit to be on call during the
16    competition, the unit need not be present at the site at all
17    times during the competition.
18    (d)     Timekeepers.--Each amateur competition must have at
19 least two timekeepers.
20    (e)     Ruling of judge.--The ruling of a judge in an amateur
21 competition may not be overturned.
22 § 25C06.    Duration of rounds.
23    Except with the written or oral permission of the commission
24 or the executive director:
25(1)   An amateur contest with an amateur contestant with
26    seven or fewer amateur bouts may not exceed three rounds of
27    90 seconds per round with a one-minute rest period between
28    rounds.
29(2)   An amateur contest with an amateur contestant with
30    more than seven amateur bouts may not exceed three rounds of
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1    three minutes per round with a one-minute rest period between
2    rounds.
3 § 25C07.    Proper attire.
4    (a)     Trunks.--Each amateur contestant shall wear mixed
5 martial arts shorts, biker shorts, boxing shorts or kickboxing
6 shorts during competition as approved by the commission.
7    (b)     Shirt or gi.--
8(1)   A male amateur contestant may not wear a shirt or gi
9    during competition, other than a close-fitting rash guard. A
10    rash guard must be approved by the commission.
11(2)   A female amateur contestant shall wear a body shirt
12    and blouse during competition.
13    (c)     Shoes.--An amateur contestant may not wear shoes or
14 padding on the feet during competition.
15 § 25C08.    Jewelry prohibited.
16    During competition, an amateur contestant may not wear
17 jewelry, including an earring, piercing or necklace.
18 § 25C09.    Equipment.
19    (a)     Gloves.--
20(1)   The gloves used in amateur competitions must be new
21    for all main events.
22(2)   The gloves used for all undercard events must be in
23    good condition and approved by the referee and the executive
24    director or a designee before and during use or they must be
25    replaced.
26(3)   Each amateur contestant shall wear open finger
27    cuffed puffy gloves, often referred to as hybrid or sparring
28    mixed martial arts gloves, which have more padding and proper
29    grip, and which weigh at least:
30(i)   10 ounces if the amateur contestant has a weight
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1under 147 pounds.
2(ii)   12 ounces if the amateur contestant has a
3weight of 147 pounds or more.
4(4)   The gloves described in paragraph (3) shall be
5  supplied by the promoter and approved by the referee and the
6  executive director or a designee before and during use.
7(5)   Amateur contestants may not supply their own gloves.
8  (b)   Protective gear.--
9(1)   Each amateur contestant shall wear protective
10  headgear, a mouth guard, a chin guard, shin pads and instep
11  pads during competition. Protective headgear must be open-
12  faced with chin protection and between 9 and 20 ounces.
13(2)   Each male amateur contestant shall provide and wear
14  a foul-proof groin protector during competition. The groin
15  protector is subject to examination and approval by the
16  referee and the executive director or a designee.
17(3)   Each female amateur contestant:
18(i)    Shall provide and wear a chest protector during
19competition. The chest protector is subject to
20examination and approval by the referee and the executive
21director or a designee.
22(ii)   May provide and wear a foul-proof groin
23protector during competition. The groin protector is
24subject to examination and approval by the referee and
25the executive director or a designee.
26  (c)   Ankle wraps.--Ankle wraps:
27(1)   May be used during competition.
28(2)   Are subject to examination and approval by the
29  referee and the executive director or a designee.
30  (d)   Water bucket and stool.--For each amateur competition,
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1 the promoter shall provide each amateur contestant's corner with
2 a clean water bucket and a stool.
3 § 25C10.    Facial hair.
4    (a)     Determination.--The commission shall determine whether
5 the head or facial hair of an amateur contestant:
6(1)   presents a hazard to the safety of the amateur
7    contestant or the opponent of the amateur contestant; or
8(2)   will interfere with the supervision and conduct of
9    the competition.
10    (b)     Participation.--If the commission determines that either
11 of the circumstances under subsection (a) exists, the amateur
12 contestant may not participate in the competition unless the
13 circumstance is resolved to the satisfaction of the commission.
14    (c)     Alternatives.--Without limiting the standard in this
15 section, head hair must be trimmed or tied back in a manner that
16 will not interfere with the vision of either amateur contestant
17 or cover any part of an amateur contestant's face.
18 § 25C11.    Legal techniques.
19    (a)     While standing.--The following acts constitute legal
20 techniques while standing in a contest or exhibition of amateur
21 mixed martial arts:
22(1)   Closed hand strikes to head and body.
23(2)   Kicking to body and legs.
24(3)   Knees to body and legs.
25(4)   Throws.
26(5)   Takedowns.
27(6)   Sweeps.
28(7)   Standing submissions.
29(8)   Armbars, but only for takedowns.
30(9)   Shouldering.
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1    (b)     While on ground.--The following acts constitute legal
2 techniques while on the ground in a contest or exhibition of
3 amateur mixed martial arts:
4(1)   One-hand strike only to body and legs.
5(2)   (Reserved).
6 § 25C12.    Acts constituting fouls.
7    (a)     Disqualification.--Disqualification from an amateur
8 competition occurs after any combination of two fouls or after a
9 flagrant foul as determined by the referee.
10    (b)     Acts.--The following acts constitute fouls in an amateur
11 competition:
12(1)   An act prohibited by section 25B10 (relating to acts
13    constituting fouls).
14(2)   Any of the following illegal techniques while
15    standing:
16(i)    Elbows of any kind.
17(ii)    Knees to head or groin.
18(iii)    Kicks to knees, head or groin.
19(iv)    Stomps on feet.
20(v)    Slamming. Throws should be completed in a
21controlled manner.
22(vi)    Throws against a joint.
23(vii)    Neck cranks.
24(viii)    Pinching, biting or gouging.
25(3)   Any of the following illegal techniques while on the
26    ground:
27(i)    Striking to the head.
28(ii)    Neck cranks.
29(iii)    Heel hooks.
30(iv)    Finger locks.
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1(v)    Toe locks.
2(vi)    Choking with hand on throat.
3(vii)    Smothering, with hand over mouth.
4(viii)    Spine locks.
5(ix)    Hammer locks.
6(x)    Slamming.
7(xi)    Pinching, biting or gouging.
8 § 25C13.    Age brackets.
9    In addition to the weight requirements under section 25C14
10 (relating to weight), an amateur contest may only be sanctioned
11 if both the amateur contestants in the amateur contest are in
12 one of the following age brackets:
13(1)   12 years of age or older but less than 14 years of
14    age.
15(2)   14 years of age or older but less than 16 years of
16    age.
17(3)   16 years of age or older but less than 18 years of
18    age.
19(4)   18 years of age or older but less than 21 years of
20    age.
21(5)   21 years of age or older.
22 § 25C14.    Weight.
23    (a)     Minimum weight.--An amateur contestant must weigh at
24 least 95 pounds.
25    (b)     Weight classes.--In addition to meeting the age
26 requirements under section 25C13 (relating to age brackets), an
27 amateur contest may only be sanctioned if both the amateur
28 contestants in the amateur contest are in one of the following
29 weight classes:
30(1)   95 pounds or more but less than 101 pounds.
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1(2)    101 pounds or more but less than 106 pounds.
2(3)    106 pounds or more but less than 113 pounds.
3(4)    113 pounds or more but less than 120 pounds.
4(5)    120 pounds or more but less than 127 pounds.
5(6)    127 pounds or more but less than 133 pounds.
6(7)    133 pounds or more but less than 140 pounds.
7(8)    140 pounds or more but less than 147 pounds.
8(9)    147 pounds or more but less than 155 pounds.
9(10)    155 pounds or more but less than 161 pounds.
10(11)    161 pounds or more but less than 166 pounds.
11(12)    166 pounds or more but less than 173 pounds.
12(13)    173 pounds or more but less than 181 pounds.
13(14)    181 pounds or more but less than 190 pounds.
14(15)    190 pounds or more but less than 200 pounds.
15(16)    200 pounds or more.
16 § 25C15.    Medical information and testing.
17    (a)     Medical passbook.--Each amateur contestant shall have an
18 up-to-date personal medical passbook in the form of a personal
19 logbook, mobile app or digital card, which can be used to track
20 the amateur contestant's chronic conditions, medications and
21 health records, including vital medical history, allergies,
22 surgeries and test results.
23    (b)     Database.--
24(1)    The commission, in consultation with the
25    subcommission, shall establish, maintain and update a
26    database consisting of information from the medical passbooks
27    of the amateur contestants, as described in subsection (a).
28(2)    Information in the database shall not be public
29    information and shall only be accessible to:
30(i)   The commission.
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1(ii)    The subcommission.
2(iii)    The Medical Advisory Board.
3(iv)    Mixed martial arts judges.
4(v)    The Office of Attorney General, if necessary as
5part of an investigation or the enforcement of this
6chapter.
7(vi)    The physician described in section 25C05
8(relating to conduct of contests), who shall review the
9medical passbook of each amateur contestant prior to the
10amateur competition.
11(vii)    Any other person as prescribed by the
12commission.
13(3)   The trainer of an amateur contestant, or an
14    authorized representative of an amateur contestant, shall
15    provide the information from the medical passbook of the
16    amateur contestant to the commission for inclusion in the
17    database.
18    (c)     Testing.--An amateur contestant who is 18 years of age
19 or older shall undergo medical testing for the human
20 immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and any other condition
21 prescribed by the commission.
22SUBCHAPTER 25D
23MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
24 Sec.
25 25D01.   Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts.
26 25D02.   Rules and regulations.
27 § 25D01.    Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts.
28    (a)     Establishment.--The Subcommission on Mixed Martial Arts
29 is established within the commission.
30    (b)     Purpose.--The purpose of the subcommission is to develop
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1 and revise rules and regulations regarding professional and
2 amateur mixed martial arts.
3    (c)     Composition.--
4(1)   The subcommission shall consist of three members
5    appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of a
6    majority of the members elected to the Senate.
7(2)   Each member of the subcommission must be current
8    mixed martial arts judges or referees.
9(3)   Each member of the subcommission must be properly
10    trained as a mixed martial arts judge or referee, with at
11    least 25 years of karate, boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai,
12    Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Taekwondo training in dojos.
13    (d)     Chairperson.--The Governor shall designate one of the
14 members of the subcommission as the chairperson of the
15 subcommission.
16    (e)     Compensation and reimbursement.--Members of the
17 subcommission shall not receive a salary or other compensation
18 for their service as members of the subcommission but shall be
19 entitled to reimbursement of reasonable and necessary travel
20 expenses incurred during the performance of their duties as
21 members of the subcommission. Reimbursements shall be paid in
22 accordance with the rules established by the commission and
23 subject to the approval of the secretary.
24    (f)     Removal.--A member of the subcommission may be removed
25 as a member by the Governor upon clear and convincing evidence
26 of misfeasance or malfeasance in office or neglect of duty. The
27 Governor shall provide the removed member with a detailed
28 written statement of the reasons for removal.
29 § 25D02.    Rules and regulations.
30    The commission shall adopt or promulgate rules or regulations
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1 necessary to implement, administer and enforce the provisions of
2 this subpart.
3    Section 2.   The provisions of 58 Pa. Code Ch. 29 (relating to
4 mixed martial arts) are abrogated.
5    Section 3.   This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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