Item 5: Ordinance on Mixed Martial Arts

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Action: An Ordinance Concerning Prohibition of Extreme Fighting; Repealing Section 4.740 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and Amending Section 4.990 of that Code Meeting Date: July 28, 2008 Agenda Item Number: 5 Department: Planning and Development Staff Contact: Keli Osborn www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5288 ISSUE STATEMENT State laws and regulations now preempt Eugene’s ordinance regulating amateur mixed martial arts, otherwise known as extreme or cage fighting. Eugene’s ordinance is proposed for repeal. BACKGROUND The Eugene City Council conducted a public hearing July 21 on an ordinance proposing repeal of the City’s ordinance regulating extreme fighting within the city limits. Information was provided ahead of the hearing to interested parties. In early 2007, the council adopted Ordinance No. 20375, regulating amateur mixed martial arts events. The 2007 Oregon Legislature later addressed the issue, and amended Chapter 463 of the Oregon Revised Statues to require that the Superintendent of State Police license and regulate participants and officials for all professional and amateur mixed martial arts events in this state. The State’s permanent administrative rules regulating promoters, professional and amateur mixed martial arts contestants, referees, timekeepers and others associated with the activities went into effect June 13, 2008. Now that the permanent rule is in effect, it preempts our existing local regulation of extreme fighting. Earlier this year, City of Eugene staff offered comments on the proposed State administrative rule to highlight areas that had been of concern to the council, such as medical testing and insurance coverage for contestants. A few differences remain between State regulations and those previously adopted in Eugene by administrative rule: Unlike Eugene, the State does not provide for an accidental death benefit for amateur contestants and it sets its insurance coverage lower ($10,000 versus $20,000). RELATED CITY POLICIES Regulations related to extreme fighting support an adopted council value for a Safe Community: A community where people feel safe, valued, and welcome. Specific policies include the existing Extreme Fighting Administrative Rule R-4.740 and Council Ordinance 20375, prohibiting extreme fighting and amending sections in Eugene Municipal Code Chapter 4 (Offenses). Z:\CMO\2008 Council Agendas\M080728\S0807285.doc