Unarmed Combatant Bill Advances in General Assembly
by Violet CanardStaff Writer
"My hands are registered as lethal weapons" is the old joke, but in Maryland that joke just took a major step towards becoming a law. The Unarmed Combatant Public Safety Act (House Bill 2249) would require the registration with the Maryland Department of Public Safety of most persons who have received substantial training in boxing, martial arts, or other forms of unarmed fighting. The bill is poised to advance from conference committee and could be sent to the Governor for signature as early as Tuesday.
The bill, introduced by Delegate Abel Frame (R-Oakland), had failed during two prior sessions of the general assembly largely over language that would restrict public drinking by registered unarmed combatants. After what appeared to be a certain repeat in conference committee this year, the bill was unexpectedly advanced after a change of heart by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Ralph Maladeno (D-Kensington Heights). The House conferees agreed to less restrictive language regarding drinking by registered unarmed combatants.
Frame was jubilant and commented, "this is a victory for those who have lost family members to the brutal world of fighting." Frame had originally introduced the bill after the death of a constituent, Jack Manassas, during a Western Maryland Hill Country Festival. Manassas suffered a heart attack during the so-called "Hillbilly Wrasslin'" event and it was later determined that his opponent had professionally wrestled for a number of years. Maladeno noted that he was happy that a compromise had been reached and that Marylanders will be safer for the passage of the bill.
The Maryland Boxing Commission had strongly opposed the bill, as had a coalition of Martial Arts instructors and Slap Fight promoters. "The whole thing is stupid," stated Leslie Rubin, who lobbies for the SFC. "Martial arts promote self-esteem and fitness. Can I kill you? Sure, but I am confident in the self-discipline I have developed through my training and so I can't see it happening." Frame, citing concerns about Rubin and other opponents, indicated that he had been forced to apply for a concealed handgun permit to ensure his safety.
If passed and signed by Maryland's governor those with more than five years of organized training or any amateur or professional fighting experience in any of a dozen categories is of unarmed fighting would be required to register by January 1, 2017. Covered categories would include such popular areas as boxing, taekwondo, karate, Thai boxing, and Brazilian wrestling. Minors would not have to register, nor would law enforcement officers, members of the military, and clergy. Fines for failing to register would range from $200 to $3,000 dollars per year.
The Governor's office has not indicated whether the Governor will sign the bill.
The bill, introduced by Delegate Abel Frame (R-Oakland), had failed during two prior sessions of the general assembly largely over language that would restrict public drinking by registered unarmed combatants. After what appeared to be a certain repeat in conference committee this year, the bill was unexpectedly advanced after a change of heart by Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, Ralph Maladeno (D-Kensington Heights). The House conferees agreed to less restrictive language regarding drinking by registered unarmed combatants.
Frame was jubilant and commented, "this is a victory for those who have lost family members to the brutal world of fighting." Frame had originally introduced the bill after the death of a constituent, Jack Manassas, during a Western Maryland Hill Country Festival. Manassas suffered a heart attack during the so-called "Hillbilly Wrasslin'" event and it was later determined that his opponent had professionally wrestled for a number of years. Maladeno noted that he was happy that a compromise had been reached and that Marylanders will be safer for the passage of the bill.
The Maryland Boxing Commission had strongly opposed the bill, as had a coalition of Martial Arts instructors and Slap Fight promoters. "The whole thing is stupid," stated Leslie Rubin, who lobbies for the SFC. "Martial arts promote self-esteem and fitness. Can I kill you? Sure, but I am confident in the self-discipline I have developed through my training and so I can't see it happening." Frame, citing concerns about Rubin and other opponents, indicated that he had been forced to apply for a concealed handgun permit to ensure his safety.
If passed and signed by Maryland's governor those with more than five years of organized training or any amateur or professional fighting experience in any of a dozen categories is of unarmed fighting would be required to register by January 1, 2017. Covered categories would include such popular areas as boxing, taekwondo, karate, Thai boxing, and Brazilian wrestling. Minors would not have to register, nor would law enforcement officers, members of the military, and clergy. Fines for failing to register would range from $200 to $3,000 dollars per year.
The Governor's office has not indicated whether the Governor will sign the bill.
