SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2213

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: NOVEMBER 18, 1996

      The Senate State Government Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly, No. 2213.

      This bill removes professional wrestling from the regulation and control of the State Athletic Control Board because professional wrestling is primarily a form of entertainment rather than a bona fide athletic contest. It distinguishes professional wrestling from wrestling and stipulates that a license issued by the board shall not be required of any person in order to conduct, or participate in, professional wrestling.

      As a result of the removal of professional wrestling from the provisions of P.L.1985, c.83 (C.5:2A-1 et seq.), which established the State Athletic Control Board and provided for the regulation of boxing, wrestling and certain other activities, the tax on television rights associated with professional wrestling would be eliminated.

      A promoter of professional wrestling is required to be licensed as a casino service industry if an event is held in a casino hotel. The bill also prohibits board members and employees from holding an office or position in any organization which sanctions professional wrestling.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to eliminate provisions which would have continued the tax on the total of gross receipts from the sale of tickets to a professional wrestling event and on complimentary tickets and which would have continued the jurisdiction of the State Athletic Control Board over professional wrestling for the purpose of collecting the tax. As a result of the amendments, ticket sales will be subject to the sales tax and the State Athletic Control Board will have no jurisdiction over professional wrestling.