House Republican Press Release

April 21, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Bacchiochi: Bill Strengthening State Oversight of Boxing Passes House

Legislation approved Thursday by the state House of Representatives would encourage the creation of strategies to develop young boxers through amateur boxing clubs and help protect the health and safety of participants in the sport, state Representative Penny Bacchiochi, R-52^nd District, said today.

The measure (House Bill 5127), which passed the House on a unanimous vote, is awaiting final legislative approval by the state Senate.

“This bill transfers boxing regulation from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Public Safety and places the state Boxing Commission under its supervision,” said Representative Bacchiochi, who was one of four legislators who offered the measure. “The Department of Public Safety has the resources and expertise needed to effectively supervise boxing in Connecticut.”

“This legislation is especially important to Stafford, which now has a boxing gym – Stafford USA Boxing. The measure authorizes the Boxing Commission to recommend to the Commissioner of Public Safety strategies for developing young boxers through amateur boxing clubs and for helping to protect the health and safety of participants in the sport, which is of particular importance to towns like Stafford that host boxing gyms,” Representative Bacchiochi said.

“It is my understanding that many Stafford youths have visited the gym and had the opportunity to train with expert boxers,” Representative Bacchiochi said. “This legislation will help develop and promote boxing in Connecticut and help aspiring Stafford boxers achieve success in their chosen sport. I’m very pleased that it passed the House and I hope the Senate acts favorably on it within the next few days.”