Legislature(2017 - 2018)
2018-02-09 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2018-02-09 Senate Journal Page 1966 SB 179 SENATE BILL NO. 179 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act relating to the athletic commission and the commissioner of athletics; and relating to boxing, sparring, and wrestling contests, matches, and exhibitions." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Governor's transmittal letter dated February 8: Dear President Kelly: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to repealing the athletic commission, and requirements for boxing and wrestling to obtain licenses. 2018-02-09 Senate Journal Page 1967 The athletic commission is established in title 5, chapter 5 and consists of four members appointed by the governor. However, the commission has not been staffed, nor have Commissioners been appointed, since 1997 when the commission was deactivated by the Governor's Office. The Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development continued to issue licenses for boxing and wrestling matches under AS 05.10.010, but in 2002 notified the Alaska Boxing Commission that the department had stopped licensing professional and club boxers, wrestlers, and events. Since the fees established in AS 05.10.120 are insufficient to cover the costs of licensing and oversight of boxing and wrestling, and since the program has not been funded adequately for a number of years, this bill would repeal this unused statute. Currently, there are federal law provisions that apply to boxing. Further, under the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act, the Attorney General, as chief law enforcement officer, could maintain a civil action in federal district court to enjoin a professional boxing match, enforce compliance with federal law, or obtain fines. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Bill Walker Governor