By Celeste Franco

On September 22, 2024, Governor Newsom signed the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) sunset extension bill, SB 1456 (Ashby) (Chapter 486, Statutes of 2024), which extends the Commission’s sunset date to January 1, 2029. The Legislative Oversight Committee identified key issues relating to sunset review discussed at the oversight hearing on March 12, 2024, and in subsequent written responses by CSAC to issues raised in the Background Paper prepared by the legislature. At their December 9, 2023, meeting, CSAC’s Executive Officer went through a draft of the Sunset Report, which addressed both issues to their last sunset review and current sunset review issues. Key points of discussion are highlighted as follows:

Committee. SB 1456 amends section 18645 of the Business and Professions Code which now requires that at least one licensed physician and surgeon who is certified in neurology by a specialty board that is a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialties be a part of the Advisory Committee on Medical and Safety Standards.

Testing for Hepatitis C. SB 1456 added section 18645.1 to the Business and Professions Code and states that the commission is to establish a review and approval process for applicants or licensees under this chapter who test positive for Hepatitis C. The Commission can consult with the Advisory Committee on Medical and Safety Standards to establish this process. This section further states that an applicant or licensee cannot be prohibited from competing in any contest, match, or exhibition solely based on them testing positive for Hepatitis C.

Purse amount. SB 1456 also added section 18704 to the Business and Professions Code which states that a professional fighter shall be entitled to a minimum purse amount of two hundred dollars per round fought.

Onsite Ambulance. SB 1456 further added section 18708 to the Business and Professions Code and states that if a professional or amateur fighter requires immediate medical attention ordered by a ringside physician, the onsite ambulance assigned to the contest, match or exhibition shall transport the fighter to a trauma center immediately.

Boxer Pension Plan Funding. SB 1456 updates section 18881 of the Business and Professions Code to address how the Boxer Pension Plan is financed. The revised section requires an assessment of one dollar on each ticket sold for professional boxing contests in California, with a maximum contribution of ten thousand dollars per contest. The plan now also allows boxers, managers, and promoters to contribute sufficient amounts to help fund the pension plan.