Committee moves to regulate bare-knuckle fighting under boxing rules; bill passes 9-0

The Public Policy Committee unanimously approved House Bill 1073 as amended, shifting regulation of bare-knuckle fighting from the martial-arts regulatory framework into the boxing regulatory chain.

Senator Baldwin, appearing for the first time in the committee to present the bill and its amendment, described the change as moving oversight "to the boxing regulatory chain from martial arts." He said the measure would create a regulatory pathway that can address safety, consistency and revenue considerations for an activity currently run by various groups without the same regulatory structure as boxing or mixed martial arts.

Committee members asked whether established organizations already conduct the sport; the presenter acknowledged that groups promote bare-knuckle events but said current oversight does not mirror boxing or MMA. Baldwin used lighthearted banter with other senators during his remarks; he also said he had medical staff standing by, a remark delivered in a jocular context.

There was no public testimony. The committee adopted amendment 3 (which effectuates the regulatory transfer) by unanimous consent, then moved the bill and took a roll-call vote. Recorded ayes from Senators Ron Alting (chair), Kyle Walker, Benita Becker, Justin Busch (recorded as Bush), Janelle, Randy Maxwell, Greg Walker, Jackson and Sarah Niezgotski produced a 9-0 committee approval.

The amendment and bill do not specify licensing fees, enforcement details or an implementation timeline during the committee hearing; those specifics would be addressed in subsequent drafting or agency rulemaking if the bill advances.