Email This Article- Contact Us - VIP Sign-Up - Back to Home Page

|

By James Caldwell, Torch columnist

Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission chairman J.J. Biello issued a statement today regarding Senate bill 413 that would put into law regulation over pro wrestling, MMA, and boxing in the state of Georgia, if approved.

The bill, which was introduced to the Georgia Senate on Feb. 6, would serve to "protect the health, safety and well being of boxers, mixed martial artists, wrestlers and members of the public that attend licensed events and use the services of ticket brokers."

Related to pro wrestling, Mr. Biello wrote that the Commission will "delay decisions on professional wrestling rules while the General Assembly considers SB 413." The bill is currently being reviewed in the Senate.

A meeting is scheduled for Tuesday between Commission members and pro wrestling representatives to discuss general issues on the Commission's agenda, but not to review legislation, as the fate of the bill in the hands of the Senate.

Senate lawmakers and Commission representatives are expected to meet on Wednesday in Atlanta to discuss the bill. If the bill is passed by lawmakers in the Senate, the Commission will carry out the legislation with the following outlined goals, as described by Mr. Biello:

- Provide consistent oversight for all sports and licensees under the purview of the GAEC.

- Bring clarity and definition to the licensing of mixed martial arts, professional wrestling and professional boxing.

- Remove the ambiguity and inconsistencies of the current code.

- Send a message to promoters and licensees that the state of Georgia is serious about protecting competitors and the public. This legislative change will encourage a larger number of reputable licensees to do business in Georgia.

For more BREAKING NEWS on WWE, TNA, ROH
visit our co-affiliate: JASON POWELL'S PROWRESTLING.NET

REACT TO THIS STORY IN OUR FREE PWTORCH FORUM

PWTORCH VIP SIGN-UP INFO - NO ADS, EXCLUSIVE CONTENT

|