New York State Senate Passes Legislation To Allow Mixed Martial Arts Events in New York State

Hauppauge, N.Y. – Senator Thomas Croci (R, C, I – Sayville) announces that the New York State Senate has passed legislation (S5949-A/A2604-C) to allow for combative sporting events in New York, including mixed martial arts (MMA).

The legislation is sponsored by Senator Joseph Griffo (R, C, I – Rome) and would legalize and regulate mixed martial arts by establishing protocols for combative sports; establishing procedures for applications for licenses; and establishing penalties for violations, as well as impose taxes on gross receipts for events.

“New York is the only state in America where combative sporting events are illegal and after seven years of consecutively passing this bill in the Senate, I am hopeful that my colleagues in the Assembly will allow this bill to go to a vote in their house. Mixed martial arts is a sporting event that should be able to be enjoyed by New Yorkers. I am proud to vote for this bill because not only does it legalize MMA in New York, but it establishes protocols intended to regulate the sport, including providing for penalties for violations against those protocols,” stated Senator Croci.

The bill will be sent to the Assembly where it is sponsored by the Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle of Rochester, NY.

All media inquiries should be directed to Senator Croci’s Communications Specialist, Christine Geed at (631) 398-8044 (call or text) or via email at geed@nysenate.gov. Inquiries for additional information should be directed to Senator Croci’s Press Secretary, Jennifer Romero at (631) 513-5657 or via email at jromero@nysenate.gov.

Pictured Above: Senator Croci with MMA champion Ronda Rousey.
Press Release by Jennifer Romero.
Made available from New York State Senator Thomas D. Crocci’s Office.