HB1952

House Bill 1952 amends existing Arkansas statutes concerning the regulation and oversight of combative sports by the State Athletic Commission. It clarifies the definition of 'combative sports' while explicitly excluding certain martial arts training and professional wrestling from the Commission's oversight, with an exception for large-scale professional wrestling events exceeding 1,500 attendees. The bill establishes standardized certification requirements for referees and judges, permitting training from recognized national organizations. It also outlines financial obligations for promoters, including a five-percent fee based on gross gate receipts, methods for calculating fees when cash is not the primary mode of admission, and requirements for promoters to reimburse the Commission for costs related to event inspectors and investigators. The legislation provides the Commission with formal authority to manage and control combative sports events within the state to ensure industry safety and professional standards.