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Witnesses tell committee SB 32 would extend combat-sports testing window to 90 days
Summary
John Dove of the Maryland Department of Labor told the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee that SB 32 would extend the required negative blood-test window for combat-sport contestants from 30 to 90 days to align Maryland with other jurisdictions and reduce burdens on athletes and promoters.
John Dove, commissioner for the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing at the Maryland Department of Labor, testified in support of Senate Bill 32, which would extend the period during which contestants in professional and amateur combat sports must present negative blood tests for HIV and hepatitis B and C from 30 days to 90 days.
Dove told the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee that the change "is vital to maintaining the efficiency, practicality, and fairness of the Maryland State Athletic Commission's regulatory framework" and that extending the window "reduces unnecessary financial burdens for promoters and administrative burdens for athletes who often compete in multiple jurisdictions." He said the 90-day standard "is consistent with the time frames used by other state athletic commissions across the country."
In his remarks Dove compared neighboring jurisdictions, saying that Virginia and Delaware accept blood work valid for up to 180 days, Pennsylvania accepts results valid for 180 days, and the District of Columbia allows results to remain valid for up to one year. He argued the bill aligns Maryland with modern medical guidance while maintaining public health and safety.
Dave Norman, identified in testimony as the chair of the Maryland State Athletic Commission, was on hand to answer questions; committee leadership concluded the hearing after no questions were asked.
The committee did not record any formal action on SB 32 during the transcript excerpt; the bill remains before the committee for further consideration.
