MMAJunkie.com reports that earlier today the New York State Assembly’s Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development committee passed a bill regulating mixed martial arts in the state of New York.
The committee passed bill A04146A by a vote of 16-3 and is a first step towards full legalization of the sport in the Empire State.
Several obstacles remain, however, that must be cleared before a vote can take place on the Assembly’s floor. Also, only seven days remain on their legislative calendar, forcing supporting lawmakers to move quickly on the matter.
The bill will now go to the Codes Committee which deals with the legal aspects of the bill and, if all goes well, bill A04146A will go to the Ways and Means Committee that deals with the financial aspects of the bill
The Rules Committee, which deals with the assembly’s activities on the floor, will be the final obstacle before the bill reaches a vote.
Legislators on both sides of the issue have been adamantly at work on the issue, with Democratic Assemblyman Bob Reilly as the biggest opponent. It is said that Reilly has the support of Speaker Sheldon Silver who will make the decision as to whether the bill can even receive a vote.
Assemblyman Steven Englebright is the biggest supporter in the Assembly and is optimistic that if the bill reaches the floor that it will be passed, even if they need to enlist the help of Republican votes.
Hopefully lawmakers can reach an agreement on the matter and finally bring the fastest growing sport into the Big Apple.
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