KDSN RADIO News
Bill sets up state licensing for Iowa kickboxing events
The Senate has sent the governor a bill that would regulate public kickboxing matches in Iowa.
The state has long required the promoters of boxing and wrestling events to be licensed by the state. In 2010, the legislature voted to require anyone who organized or promoted a mixed martial arts event to be state-licensed. “Kickboxing, at the time, occurred in conjunction with MMA events,” Representative Jacob Bosssman of Sioux City said. “However, in the last few years, kickboxing has sort of branched out on its own, so it’s not currently covered.”
Senator Jeff Reichman of Montrose suggested that the state licensing process establish some safety guidelines for traditional boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, and kickboxing after the governor signs the bill. “This ensures consistency between both amateur and professional events,” Reichman said before the bill passed the Iowa Senate unanimously.
Once the bill becomes law, the promoter of kickboxing events will be required to submit a report on ticket sales to the state, just like boxing, wrestling, and MMA promoters do. They’ll also have to pay the same 5% state tax on gross receipts within 20 days.
