INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS

FOR "BOXING ELIMINATION CONTESTS"

House Bill 4784

Sponsor:  Rep. Jeff Mayes

Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Complete to 8-25-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4784 AS INTRODUCED 4-2-09

The bill would amend the Michigan Unarmed Combat Regulatory Act to revise the insurance requirement for certain "boxing elimination contests" (or "Toughman" contests) that are exempt from the act.   

The Unarmed Combat Regulatory Act regulates professional boxing matches and mixed martial arts contests.  However, some contests, those that are sometimes called "Toughman contests," are exempt from the act if certain conditions are met.  The matches are, generally, elimination matches between nonprofessionals who fight no more than three one-minute rounds.  Contestants must pass physical exams and cannot exceed certain blood alcohol levels.  One of the conditions is that the contestants be insured by the promoter for all medical and hospital expenses to be paid to the contestants to cover injuries sustained in the contest.

House Bill 4784 would amend that provision to require that contestants be insured by the promoter for medical and hospital expenses in the amount of not less than $50,000 to be paid to the contestants to cover injuries sustained in the contest and are insured for not less than $50,000 to be paid in accordance with the statutes of descent and distribution of personal property if a contestant should die as a result of injuries sustained in the contest.  (The italics represent the new language.)

MCL 338.3650

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill would have no apparent fiscal impact on state or local government.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   Mark Wolf

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.