AP: New York Senate Set To Back Legalizing Mixed Martial Arts
ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Senate is set to vote for the fifth straight year for legalizing professional mixed martial arts and end the state's position as the last one prohibiting the sport.
With MMA star Ronda Rousey in Albany on Tuesday lobbying for its passage, supporters in the Democrat-controlled Assembly said they believe momentum is building.
The Assembly's majority Democratic Conference, where the legalization bill has foundered in the past, is expected to consider it again sometime after a new state budget is adopted for the new fiscal year starting April 1.
The Senate bill would authorize the New York State Athletic Commission to regulate MMA as it does professional boxing.
One proposed revision would establish a compensation fund, like the state's jockey fund, to benefit injured fighters.
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