Arkansas § 17-22-204 Authority

Arkansas Statutes

§ 17-22-204 — Authority

Arkansas § 17-22-204

Title17

This text of Arkansas § 17-22-204 (Authority) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Arkansas primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Ark. Code Ann. § 17-22-204 (2026).

Text

(a)(1) (A) The State Athletic Commission shall have the sole discretion, management, control, and jurisdiction over all combative sports matches and exhibitions in this state.

(B)(i) The commission shall adopt uniform policies, fees, and forms to ensure fair regulation of the combative sports industry.

(ii)The commission shall have no authority over professional wrestling events.

(2)A combative sports match or exhibition declared to be amateur and self-regulated shall be governed by the commission unless sanctioned by:

(A)A federally recognized sanctioning body approved in writing by the commission; and (B) A national oversight body with 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 operating in at least six (6) states approved in writing by the commission.

(b)

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(a) (1) (A) The State Athletic Commission shall have the sole discretion, management, control, and jurisdiction over all combative sports matches and exhibitions in this state. (B) (i) The commission shall adopt uniform policies, fees, and forms to ensure fair regulation of the combative sports industry. (ii) The commission shall have no authority over professional wrestling events. (2) A combative sports match or exhibition declared to be amateur and self-regulated shall be governed by the commission unless sanctioned by: (A) A federally recognized sanctioning body approved in writing by the commission; and (B) A national oversight body with 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3) status under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 operating in at least six (6) states approved in writing by the commission. (b) (1) The commission shall have the authority to appoint and pay inspectors and other officials necessary to properly conduct any match or exhibition authorized by this chapter. (2) The inspectors and other officials may receive reimbursement for travel under § 25-16-901 et seq. (c) The commission shall have the authority to adopt and promulgate, amend, or abrogate any and all rules considered by it necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions as provided in this chapter and in accordance with the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, § 25-15-201 et seq. (d) The commission may issue subpoenas, examine witnesses, and administer oaths and shall, at its discretion, investigate allegations or practices violating the provisions of this chapter. (e) The commission shall have the authority to hire an investigator for the purposes outlined in this section. (f) The commission shall have the authority to require event permits and insurance for combative sports with limits to be adjusted by the rules of the commission. (g) The commission shall have the authority to make a claim on the bond or check posted by a promoter for combative sports events in order to make reimbursements for any unpaid fees, prize money, or other financial commitments of the promoter related to combative sports activity licensed by the commission. (h) The commission shall have the authority to specify the forms required under this chapter.

Legislative History

Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1372, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1371, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 923,§ 3, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2019, No. 386,§ 8, eff. 7/24/2019. Amended by Act 2017, No. 860,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017. Amended by Act 2013, No. 1096,§ 4, eff. 8/16/2013. Acts 1927, No. 131, § 3; Pope's Dig., § 12063; Acts 1985, No. 970, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 84-2904; Acts 1993, No. 1277, § 1; 1999, No. 1085, § 2; 2009, No. 781, § 3.