BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 3742
88R13346 PRL-F	By: Goldman (Paxton)
	State Affairs
	5/17/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

An elimination tournament in combative sports is an event format where a contestant is eliminated after losing and the winner is promoted to the next round. Currently, these are not legal under state law. Those involved in some forms of competition, such as amateur Muay Thai, have requested to hold elimination tournaments.

H.B. 3742 seeks to provide the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation the discretion to allow certain elimination tournaments in Texas while also providing immunity from civil liability for ringside physicians, who serve a critical role in ensuring these tournaments are conducted safely. 

H.B. 3742 amends current law relating to the regulation of combative sports by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and to immunity for ringside physicians assigned to combative sports events.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2052.254, Occupations Code, as follows:

Sec. 2052.254. ELIMINATION TOURNAMENTS. Prohibits an elimination tournament from being conducted in this state, except as authorized by Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation rule. Makes nonsubstantive changes.

SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter F, Chapter 2052, Occupations Code, by adding Section 2052.255, as follows:

Sec. 2052.255. IMMUNITY FOR RINGSIDE PHYSICIANS. Provides that a ringside physician is immune from civil liability arising from acts within the scope of the physician's responsibilities if the physician acted in good faith and without malice.

SECTION 3. Makes application of Section 2052.255, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, prospective.

SECTION 4. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2023.