House Bill No.1228,if enacted, would greatly diminish the ability of promotions to operate in the Commonwealth. In October, 2015 new regulation (House Bill No. 1445 2015)  http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+HB1455ER came into effect requiring promoters to license with the VADPOR, have a physician and emergency medical team(s) present cage side at all times and, requires blood testing for all athletes (1. Antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus; 2. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); and 3. Antibodies to virus hepatitis C.).  These are all great steps forward for athletes and the industry as a whole. The responsibility for oversight at events is relegated to "approved sanctioning bodies". Three bodies have been approved by DPOR....Global Combat Alliance (GCA, Richmond Area,), United Combat Arts(UCA, SW Va) and, Virginia Combat Sports Sanctioning ( VCSS, located within the Winchester region ).

House Bill No. 1228, 2016, http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB1228 seeks to alter the language of § 54.1-829.1. paragraph C.  I suspect should the language of this paragraph be changed, it would eliminate two of the three sanctioning bodies (UCA, VCSS) ability to operate. This change would create a monopoly within the industry and limit the ability of promotions to host events on a timetable that would best suit each promotion/event. Promoters would be left at the whim of one body's availability. This environment would be ripe for manipulation/abuse and change the landscape of our industry, as well as reduce the positive financial impact MMA events make on local economies throughout the Commonwealth.

I stongly urge you to oppost HB No. 1228 for the future of our sport.

Kimberly L. Ring