Senate sends MMA regulation, other issues to governor

DES MOINES – New state regulations governing amateur mixed martial arts events in Iowa are on their way to Gov. Chet Culver's desk.

The Iowa Senate voted 48-0 Monday to bring amateur MMA bouts under the same licensing and regulatory framework as professional boxing and ultimate fighting matches. Senators approved some minor House changes and shipped Senate File 2286 for his consideration.

Sen. Bill Dotzler, D-Waterloo, said the changes were necessitated out of safety concerns after the state boxing commissioner said there was evidence that amateur ultimate fighters are getting hurt, being paid "under the table," fighting under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not being tested for hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, and fighting again too soon after being knocked unconscious.

 The Senate's original version would have regulated events open to the public and where an admission fee is charged. The House expanded it to cover events where merchandise or refreshments are available for purchase.

The proposed legislation would require that venues that host the matches obtain a permit, and only those 18 and older would be allowed to participate in the matches.

Senators also sent Culver a measure encouraging school districts, community colleges and regent universities to consider using environmentally friendly cleaning products – a “green” policy state agencies adopted two years ago.

Sen. Amanda Ragan, D-Mason City, floor manager of House File 823, said school districts could opt out of the provision by July 1, 2012, if they conducted an assessment and determined they already were complying with the law. Two Democrats joined 18 Republicans in opposing the bill that passed 28-20.

Republicans also objected to a separate measure that set guidelines for schools in employing a business or financial agent. Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, criticized the Legislature for being “really mandate happy”, while Sen. Nancy Boettger, R-Harlan, said House File 2461 amounted to “kicking (school districts) while they're down” by setting a new requirement for schools struggling with a 10 percent across-the-board funding cut.

Three Democrats joined 18 Republicans in opposing the measure Senate GOP Leader Paul McKinley of Chariton called “a solution looking for a problem.” However, senators voted 27-21 to approve the bill and send it to Culver's desk.

Also Monday, senators voted 48-0 to reduce the royalty fee for dredging sand and gravel for flood-control purposes in portions of the Cedar River in Black Hawk and Linn counties. Senate File 2371 reduces the fee from 25 cents per ton to 10 cents a ton until June 30, 2015.

Sen. Swati Dandekar, D-Marion, said the hope is that the lower royalty fee with attract one or more dredging businesses to the area.

“It's a start,” said Sen. Wally Horn, D-Cedar Rapids. “We hope this will work.”

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