HF 2954

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 03/16/2023 02:36pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; modifying combative sports regulations; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2022, sections 341.21, subdivisions 2a, 2b, 2c, 4f, 7, by adding
a subdivision; 341.221; 341.25; 341.27; 341.28, subdivisions 2, 3, by adding
subdivisions; 341.30, subdivision 4; 341.32, subdivision 2; 341.321; 341.33;
341.355; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 341.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Combatant.

"Combatant" means an individual who employs the act of attack
and defense as a new text begin professional new text end boxer, new text begin professional or amateur new text end tough person, deleted text begin martial artist deleted text end new text begin
professional or amateur kickboxer new text end , or new text begin professional or amateur new text end mixed martial artist while
engaged in a combative sport.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2b, is amended to read:

Subd. 2b.

Combative sport.

"Combative sport" means a sport that employs the act of
attack and defense with the fists, with or without using padded gloves, or feet that is practiced
as a sport under the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions, unified rules for mixed
martial arts, or their equivalent. Combative sports include professional boxing deleted text begin and deleted text end new text begin , new text end
professional and amateur tough person new text begin , professional or amateur kickboxing, new text end and professional
and amateur mixed martial arts contests.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 2c, is amended to read:

Subd. 2c.

Combative sports contest.

"Combative sports contest" means a professional
boxing, a professional or amateur tough person, new text begin a professional or amateur kickboxing, new text end or
a professional or amateur deleted text begin martial art contest or deleted text end mixed martial arts contest, bout, competition,
match, or exhibition.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 4f, is amended to read:

Subd. 4f.

Martial art.

"Martial art" means a variety of weaponless disciplines of combat
or self-defense that utilize physical skill and coordination, and are practiced as combat
sports. The disciplines include, but are not limited to, Wing Chun, deleted text begin kickboxing, deleted text end Tae kwon
do, savate, karate, deleted text begin Muay Thai, deleted text end sanshou, Jiu Jitsu, judo, ninjitsu, kung fu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
wrestling, grappling, tai chi, and other weaponless martial arts disciplines.

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 4i. new text end

new text begin Kickboxing. new text end

new text begin "Kickboxing" means the act of attack and defense with the fists
using padded gloves and bare feet.
new text end

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.21, subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Tough person contest.

"Tough person contest," including contests marketed
as tough man or tough woman contests, means a deleted text begin contest of two-minute rounds consisting
of not more than four rounds between two or more individuals who use their hands, or their
feet, or both in any manner. Tough person contest includes kickboxing and other recognized
martial art contest deleted text end new text begin boxing match or similar contest where each combatant wears headgear
and gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces new text end .

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.221, is amended to read:

341.221 ADVISORY COUNCIL.

(a) The commissioner must appoint a Combative Sports Advisory Council to advise the
commissioner on the administration of duties under this chapter.

(b) The council shall have deleted text begin nine deleted text end new text begin five new text end members appointed by the commissioner. deleted text begin One
member must be a retired judge of the Minnesota District Court, Minnesota Court of Appeals,
Minnesota Supreme Court, the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota,
or the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. At least four deleted text end new text begin All five new text end members must have knowledge
of deleted text begin the boxing industry. At least four members must have knowledge of the mixed martial
arts industry deleted text end new text begin combative sports new text end . The commissioner shall make serious efforts to appoint
qualified women to serve on the council.

deleted text begin (c) Council members shall serve terms of four years with the terms ending on the first
Monday in January.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The council shall annually elect from its membership a chair.

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Meetings shall be convened by the commissioner, or by the chair with the approval
of the commissioner.

deleted text begin (f) The commissioner shall designate two of the members to serve until the first Monday
in January 2013; two members to serve until the first Monday in January 2014; two members
to serve until the first Monday in January 2015; and three members to serve until the first
Monday in January 2016.
deleted text end

new text begin (e) Appointments to the council and the terms of council members are governed by
sections 15.059 and 15.0597.
new text end

deleted text begin (g) deleted text end new text begin (f) new text end Removal of members, filling of vacancies, and compensation of members shall
be as provided in section 15.059.

new text begin (g) Meetings convened for the purpose of advising the commissioner on issues related
to a challenge filed under section 341.345 are exempt from the open meeting requirements
of chapter 13D.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.25, is amended to read:

341.25 RULES.

(a) The commissioner may adopt rules that include standards for the physical examination
and condition of combatants and referees.

(b) The commissioner may adopt other rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this
chapter, including, but not limited to, the conduct of all combative sport contests and their
manner, supervision, time, and place.

deleted text begin (c) The commissioner must adopt unified rules for mixed martial arts contests.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner may adopt the rules of the Association of Boxing Commissions,
with amendments.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end The new text begin most recent version of the new text end Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, as
promulgated by the Association of Boxing Commissions deleted text begin and amended August 2, 2016, are deleted text end new text begin ,
is new text end incorporated by reference and made a part of this chapter except as qualified by this
chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2202. In the event of a conflict between this chapter
and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.

new text begin (d) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the
Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this
chapter except as qualified by this chapter and Minnesota Rules, chapter 2201. In the event
of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
new text end

new text begin (e) The most recent version of the Unified Rules of Kickboxing, as promulgated by the
Association of Boxing Commissions, is incorporated by reference and made a part of this
chapter except as qualified by this chapter and any applicable Minnesota Rules. In the event
of a conflict between this chapter and the Unified Rules, this chapter must govern.
new text end

Sec. 9.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.27, is amended to read:

341.27 COMMISSIONER DUTIES.

The commissioner shall:

(1) issue, deny, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses;

(2) make and maintain records of its acts and proceedings including the issuance, denial,
renewal, suspension, or revocation of licenses;

(3) keep public records of the council open to inspection at all reasonable times;

(4) develop rules to be implemented under this chapter;

(5) conform to the rules adopted under this chapter;

(6) develop policies and procedures for regulating boxing new text begin , kickboxing, new text end and mixed martial
arts;

new text begin (7) approve regulatory bodies to oversee martial arts and amateur boxing contests under
section 341.28, subdivision 5;
new text end

deleted text begin (7) deleted text end new text begin (8) new text end immediately suspend an individual license for a medical condition, including but
not limited to a medical condition resulting from an injury sustained during a match, bout,
or contest that has been confirmed by the ringside physician. The medical suspension must
be lifted after the commissioner receives written information from a physician licensed in
the home state of the licensee indicating that the combatant may resume competition, and
any other information that the commissioner may by rule require. Medical suspensions are
not subject to section 326B.082 or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57
to 14.69; and

deleted text begin (8) deleted text end new text begin (9) new text end immediately suspend an individual combatant license for a mandatory rest period,
which must commence at the conclusion of every combative sports contest in which the
license holder competes and does not receive a medical suspension. A rest suspension must
automatically lift after 14 calendar days from the date the combative sports contest passed
without notice or additional proceedings. Rest suspensions are not subject to section 326B.082
or the contested case procedures provided in sections 14.57 to 14.69.

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Regulatory authority; tough person contests.

All professional and amateur
tough person contests are subject to this chapter. All tough person contests are subject to
new text begin the most recent version of the Unified Rules of Boxing, as promulgated by the new text end Association
of Boxing Commissions deleted text begin rules deleted text end . Every contestant in a tough person contest shall have a
physical examination prior to their bouts. Every contestant in a tough person contest shall
wear new text begin headgear and new text end padded gloves that weigh at least 12 ounces. deleted text begin All tough person bouts are
limited to two-minute rounds and a maximum of four total rounds. deleted text end Officials at all tough
person contests shall be licensed under this chapter.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Regulatory authority; mixed martial arts contests deleted text begin ; similar sporting
events deleted text end .

All professional and amateur mixed martial arts contests deleted text begin , martial arts contests except
amateur contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL), recognized
martial arts studios and schools in Minnesota, and recognized national martial arts
organizations holding contests between students, ultimate fight contests, and similar sporting
events deleted text end are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be licensed under this
chapter.

Sec. 12.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; kickboxing contests. new text end

new text begin All professional and amateur
kickboxing contests are subject to this chapter and all officials at these events must be
licensed under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 13.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; martial arts and amateur boxing. new text end

new text begin (a) Unless this
chapter specifically states otherwise, contests or exhibitions for martial arts and amateur
boxing are exempt from the requirements of this chapter and officials at these events are
not required to be licensed under this chapter.
new text end

new text begin (b) Martial arts and amateur boxing contests, unless subject to the exceptions set forth
in subdivision 7, must be regulated by a nationally recognized organization approved by
the commissioner. The organization must have a set of written standards, procedures, or
rules used to sanction the combative sports it oversees.
new text end

new text begin (c) Any regulatory body overseeing a martial arts or amateur boxing event must submit
bout results to the commissioner within 72 hours after the event. If the regulatory body
issues suspensions, the regulatory body must submit to the commissioner a list of any
suspensions resulting from the event within 72 hours after the event. Regulatory bodies that
oversee combative sports or martial arts contests under subdivision 6 are not subject to this
paragraph.
new text end

Sec. 14.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.28, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Regulatory authority; certain students. new text end

new text begin Combative sports or martial arts
contests regulated by the Minnesota State High School League, National Collegiate Athletic
Association, National Junior Collegiate Athletic Association, National Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics, or any similar organization that governs interscholastic athletics
are not subject to this chapter and officials at these events are not required to be licensed
under this chapter.
new text end

Sec. 15.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.30, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Prelicensure requirements.

(a) Before the commissioner issues a promoter's
license to an individual, corporation, or other business entity, the applicant shall deleted text begin , a minimum
of six weeks before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, deleted text end complete a licensing
application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin
prescribed new text end by the commissioner and shall:

deleted text begin (1) provide the commissioner with a copy of any agreement between a combatant and
the applicant that binds the applicant to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage
of the gate receipts;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (1) new text end show on the licensing application the owner or owners of the applicant entity and
the percentage of interest held by each owner holding a 25 percent or more interest in the
applicant;

deleted text begin (3) deleted text end new text begin (2) new text end provide the commissioner with a copy of the latest financial statement of the
applicant;

deleted text begin (4) provide the commissioner with a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner
of the insurance contract or policy required by this chapter;
deleted text end

deleted text begin (5) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end provide proof, where applicable, of authorization to do business in the state of
Minnesota; and

deleted text begin (6) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end deposit with the commissioner a deleted text begin cash bond or deleted text end surety bond in an amount set by
the commissioner, which must not be less than $10,000. The bond shall be executed in favor
of this state and shall be conditioned on the faithful performance by the promoter of the
promoter's obligations under this chapter and the rules adopted under it.

(b) Before the commissioner issues a license to a combatant, the applicant shall:

(1) submit to the commissioner the results of deleted text begin a deleted text end current medical deleted text begin examination deleted text end new text begin examinations new text end
on forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin prescribed new text end by the commissioner new text begin that state that the combatant
is cleared to participate in a combative sport contest new text end . deleted text begin The medical examination must include
an ophthalmological and neurological examination, and documentation of test results for
HBV, HCV, and HIV, and any other blood test as the commissioner by rule may require.
The ophthalmological examination must be designed to detect any retinal defects or other
damage or condition of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. The
neurological examination must include an electroencephalogram or medically superior test
if the combatant has been knocked unconscious in a previous contest. The commissioner
may also order an electroencephalogram or other appropriate neurological or physical
examination before any contest if it determines that the examination is desirable to protect
the health of the combatant. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant
submitting positive test results for HBV, HCV, or HIV; deleted text end new text begin The applicant must undergo and
submit the results of the following medical examinations, which do not exempt a combatant
from the requirements in section 341.33:
new text end

new text begin (i) a physical examination performed by a licensed medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic
medicine, advance practice nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant. Physical examinations
are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
new text end

new text begin (ii) an ophthalmological examination performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist
that includes dilation designed to detect any retinal defects or other damage or a condition
of the eye that could be aggravated by combative sports. Ophthalmological examinations
are valid for one year from the date of the exam;
new text end

new text begin (iii) blood work results for HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), HCV (Hepatitis C
antibody), and HIV. Blood work results are good for one year from the date blood was
drawn. The commissioner shall not issue a license to an applicant submitting positive test
results for HBsAg, HCV, or HIV; and
new text end

new text begin (iv) other appropriate neurological or physical examinations before any contest, if the
commissioner determines that the examination is desirable to protect the health of the
combatant;
new text end

(2) complete a licensing application on the Office of Combative Sports website or on
forms deleted text begin furnished or approved deleted text end new text begin prescribed new text end by the commissioner; and

(3) provide proof that the applicant is 18 years of age. Acceptable proof is a photo driver's
license, state photo identification card, passport, or birth certificate combined with additional
photo identification.

new text begin (c) Before the commissioner issues a license to a referee, judge, or timekeeper, the
applicant must submit proof of qualifications that may include certified training from the
Association of Boxing Commissions, licensure with other regulatory bodies, professional
references, or a log of bouts worked.
new text end

new text begin (d) Before the commissioner issues a license to a ringside physician, the applicant must
submit proof that they are licensed to practice medicine in the state of Minnesota and in
good standing.
new text end

Sec. 16.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.32, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Expiration and application.

Licenses new text begin issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall
new text end expire deleted text begin annually on December 31 deleted text end new text begin one year after the date of issuance new text end . A license may be
applied for each year by filing an application for licensure and satisfying all licensure
requirements established in section 341.30, and submitting payment of the license fees
established in section 341.321. An application for a license and renewal of a license must
be on a form provided by the commissioner.

Sec. 17.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.321, is amended to read:

341.321 FEE SCHEDULE.

(a) The fee schedule for professional and amateur licenses issued by the commissioner
is as follows:

(1) referees, $25;

(2) promoters, deleted text begin $700 deleted text end new text begin $500 new text end ;

(3) judges and knockdown judges, $25;

(4) trainers and seconds, deleted text begin $80 deleted text end new text begin $40 new text end ;

(5) timekeepers, $25;

(6) professional combatants, deleted text begin $70 deleted text end new text begin $55 new text end ;

(7) amateur combatants, deleted text begin $50 deleted text end new text begin $35 new text end ; and

(8) ringside physicians, $25.

deleted text begin License fees for promoters are due at least six weeks prior to the combative sport contest. deleted text end
All deleted text begin other deleted text end license fees shall be paid no later than the weigh-in prior to the contest. No license
may be issued until all prelicensure requirements new text begin in section 341.30 new text end are satisfied and fees
are paid.

(b) deleted text begin The commissioner shall establish a contest fee for each combative sport contest and
shall consider the size and type of venue when establishing a contest fee. The deleted text end new text begin A promoter
or event organizer of an event regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry must pay,
per event, a new text end combative sport contest fee deleted text begin is $1,500 per event deleted text end new text begin of $500 new text end or deleted text begin not more than deleted text end four
percent of the gross ticket sales, whichever is greater deleted text begin , as determined by the commissioner
when the combative sport contest is scheduled deleted text end . new text begin The fee must be paid as follows:
new text end

deleted text begin (c) A professional or amateur combative sport contest fee is nonrefundable and shall be
paid as follows:
deleted text end

(1) $500 at the time the combative sport contest is scheduled; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) $1,000 at the weigh-in prior to the contest.
deleted text end

new text begin (2) if four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $500, the balance is due to the
commissioner within 14 days of the completed contest; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the value of all complimentary tickets distributed for an event, to the extent they
exceed five percent of total event attendance, counts toward gross tickets sales for the
purposes of determining a combative sports contest fee. For purposes of this clause, the
lowest advertised ticket price shall be used to calculate the value of complimentary tickets.
new text end

deleted text begin If four percent of the gross ticket sales is greater than $1,500, the balance is due to the
commissioner within seven days of the completed contest.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) The commissioner may establish the maximum number of complimentary tickets
allowed for each event by rule.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end All fees and penalties collected by the commissioner must be deposited in the
commissioner account in the special revenue fund.

Sec. 18.

new text begin [341.322] PAYMENT SCHEDULE.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner may establish a schedule of payments to be paid by a promoter to
referees, judges and knockdown judges, timekeepers, and ringside physicians.
new text end

Sec. 19.

new text begin [341.323] EVENT APPROVAL.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Preapproval documentation. new text end

new text begin Before the commissioner approves a
combative sports contest, the promoter shall provide the commissioner, at least six weeks
before the combative sport contest is scheduled to occur, information about the time, date,
and location of the contest and at least 72 hours before the combative sport contest is
scheduled to occur:
new text end

new text begin (1) a copy of any agreement between a combatant and the promoter that binds the
promoter to pay the combatant a certain fixed fee or percentage of the gate receipts;
new text end

new text begin (2) a copy or other proof acceptable to the commissioner of the insurance contract or
policy required by this chapter;
new text end

new text begin (3) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide, at the cost of
the promoter, at least one uniformed security guard or uniformed off-duty member of law
enforcement to provide security at any event regulated by the Department of Labor and
Industry. The commissioner may require a promoter to take additional security measures
to ensure the safety of participants and spectators at an event; and
new text end

new text begin (4) proof acceptable to the commissioner that the promoter will provide an ambulance
service as required by section 341.324.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Proper licensure. new text end

new text begin Before the commissioner approves a combative sport contest,
the commissioner must ensure that the promoter is properly licensed under this chapter.
The promoter must maintain proper licensure from the time it schedules a combative sports
contest through the date of the contest.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Discretion. new text end

new text begin Nothing in this section limits the commissioner's discretion in
deciding whether to approve a combative sport contest or event.
new text end

Sec. 20.

new text begin [341.324] AMBULANCE.
new text end

new text begin A promoter must ensure, at the cost of the promoter, that a licensed ambulance service
with two emergency medical technicians is on the premises during a combative sports
contest.
new text end

Sec. 21.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.33, is amended to read:

341.33 PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIRED; FEES.

Subdivision 1.

Examination by physician.

All combatants must be examined by a
physician licensed by this state within 36 hours before entering the ring, and the examining
physician shall immediately file with the commissioner a written report of the examination.
new text begin Each female combatant shall take and submit a negative pregnancy test as part of the
examination. new text end The physician's examination may report on the condition of the combatant's
heart and general physical and general neurological condition. The physician's report may
record the condition of the combatant's nervous system and brain as required by the
commissioner. The physician may prohibit the combatant from entering the ring if, in the
physician's professional opinion, it is in the best interest of the combatant's health. The cost
of the examination is payable by the promoter conducting the contest or exhibition.

Subd. 2.

Attendance of physician.

A promoter holding or sponsoring a combative sport
contest shall have in attendance a physician licensed by deleted text begin this state deleted text end new text begin Minnesota new text end . deleted text begin The
commissioner may establish a schedule of fees to be paid to each attending physician by
the promoter holding or sponsoring the contest.
deleted text end

Sec. 22.

new text begin [341.331] PROHIBITED PERFORMANCE ENHANCING SUBSTANCES
AND TESTING.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Performance enhancing substances and masking agents prohibited. new text end

new text begin All
combatants are prohibited from using the substances listed in the following classes contained
in the World Anti-Doping Code published by the World Anti-Doping Agency, unless a
combatant meets an applicable exception set forth therein:
new text end

new text begin (1) S0, nonapproved substances;
new text end

new text begin (2) S1, anabolic agents;
new text end

new text begin (3) S2, peptide hormones, growth factors, and related substances and mimetics;
new text end

new text begin (4) S3, beta-2 agonists;
new text end

new text begin (5) S4, hormone and metabolic modulators; and
new text end

new text begin (6) S5, diuretics and masking agents.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Testing. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may administer drug testing to discover violations
of subdivision 1 as follows:
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner may require a combatant to submit to a drug test to determine if
substances are present in the combatant's system in violation of subdivision 1. This testing
may occur at any time after the official weigh-in, on the day of the contest in which the
combatant is participating, or within 24 hours of competing in a combative sports contest
in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner may require testing based
on reasonable cause or random selection. Grounds for reasonable cause includes observing
or receiving credible information that a combatant has used prohibited performance enhancing
drugs. If testing is based on random selection, both combatants competing in a selected bout
shall submit to a drug test.
new text end

new text begin (b) Specimens may include urine, hair samples, or blood. Specimens shall be tested at
a facility acceptable to the commissioner. Results of all drug tests shall be submitted directly
to the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (c) The promoter shall pay the costs relating to drug testing combatants. Any requests
for follow-up or additional testing must be paid by the combatant.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Discipline. new text end

new text begin (a) If a combatant fails to provide a sample for drug testing when
required, and the request is made before a bout, the combatant shall not be allowed to
compete in the bout. If the request is made after a bout, and the combatant fails to provide
a sample for drug testing, the combatant shall be subject to disciplinary action under section
341.29.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a combatant's specimen tests positive for any prohibited substances, the combatant
shall be subject to disciplinary action under section 341.29.
new text end

new text begin (c) A combatant who is disciplined and was the winner of a bout shall be disqualified
and the decision shall be changed to no contest. The results of a bout shall remain unchanged
if a combatant who is disciplined was the loser of the bout.
new text end

Sec. 23.

new text begin [341.345] CHALLENGING THE OUTCOME OF A COMBATIVE SPORT
CONTEST.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Challenge. new text end

new text begin (a) If a combatant disagrees with the outcome of a combative
sport contest regulated by the Department of Labor and Industry in which the combatant
participated, the combatant may challenge the outcome.
new text end

new text begin (b) If a third party makes a challenge on behalf of a combatant, the third party must
provide written confirmation that they are authorized to make the challenge on behalf of
the combatant. The written confirmation must contain the combatant's signature and must
be submitted with the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Form. new text end

new text begin A challenge must be submitted on a form prescribed by the commissioner,
set forth all relevant facts and the basis for the challenge, and state what remedy is being
sought. A combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the
combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge. A
combatant may challenge the outcome of a contest only if it is alleged that:
new text end

new text begin (1) the referee made an incorrect call or missed a rule violation that directly affected the
outcome of the contest;
new text end

new text begin (2) there was collusion amongst officials to affect the outcome of the contest; or
new text end

new text begin (3) scores were miscalculated.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Timing. new text end

new text begin A challenge must be submitted within ten days of the contest.
new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this subdivision, the day of the contest shall not count toward the
ten-day period. If the tenth day falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then a combatant
shall have until the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday to submit a
challenge.
new text end

new text begin (b) The challenge must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number,
or email address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a challenge
is submitted by mail shall be the postmark date on the envelope in which the challenge is
mailed. If the challenge is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by
4:30 p.m. Central Time on the day the challenge is due.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Opponent's response. new text end

new text begin If the requirements of subdivisions 1 to 3 are met, the
commissioner shall send a complete copy of the challenge documents, along with any
supporting materials submitted, to the opposing combatant by mail, fax, or email. The
opposing combatant has 14 days from the date the commissioner sends the challenge and
supporting materials to submit a response to the commissioner. Additional response time
is not added when the commissioner sends the challenge to the opposing combatant by mail.
The opposing combatant may submit photos, videos, documents, or any other evidence the
opposing combatant would like the commissioner to consider in connection to the challenge.
The response must be submitted to the commissioner at the address, fax number, or email
address designated on the commissioner's website. The date on which a response is submitted
by mail is the postmark date on the envelope in which the response is mailed. If the response
is faxed or emailed, it must be received by the commissioner by 4:30 p.m. Central Time on
the day the response is due.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Licensed official review. new text end

new text begin The commissioner may, if the commissioner
determines it would be helpful in resolving the issues raised in the challenge, send a complete
copy of the challenge or response, along with any supporting materials submitted, to any
licensed official involved in the combative sport contest at issue by mail, fax, or email and
request the official's views on the issues raised in the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 6. new text end

new text begin Order. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 60 days
after receiving the opposing combatant's response. If the opposing combatant does not
submit a response, the commissioner shall issue an order on the challenge within 75 days
after receiving the challenge.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 7. new text end

new text begin Nonacceptance. new text end

new text begin If the requirements of subdivisions 1 through 3 are not met,
the commissioner must not accept the challenge and may send correspondence to the person
who submitted the challenge stating the reasons for nonacceptance of the challenge. A
combatant has no further appeal rights if the combatant's challenge is not accepted by the
commissioner.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 8. new text end

new text begin Administrative hearing. new text end

new text begin After the commissioner issues an order under
subdivision 6, each combatant under section 326B.082, subdivision 8, has 30 days after
service of the order to submit a request for hearing before an administrative law judge.
new text end

Sec. 24.

Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 341.355, is amended to read:

341.355 CIVIL PENALTIES.

When the commissioner finds that a person has violated one or more provisions of any
statute, rule, or order that the commissioner is empowered to regulate, enforce, or issue, the
commissioner may impose, for each violation, a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each
violation, or a civil penalty that deprives the person of any economic advantage gained by
the violation, or both. new text begin The commissioner may also impose these penalties against a person
who has violated section 341.28, subdivision 5, paragraph (b) or (c).
new text end