Alabama Athletic Commission, slap fighting prohibited; Attorney General authorized to bring action for violations, certain violations constitute Class C felony
SB7 would amend the Alabama Unarmed Combat Act to expressly prohibit slap fighting in Alabama. The bill defines slap fighting as a form of unarmed combat in which two opponents stand at arm’s length and take turns slapping each other in the face without moving, flinching, or defending themselves. By placing slap fighting outside the scope of authorized unarmed combat, the bill would make clear that the Alabama Athletic Commission cannot license or approve such events.
The bill also expands enforcement tools under the Act. It authorizes the Attorney General to bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief against persons believed to be violating the Act, and it increases or clarifies penalties for certain violations. Depending on the actor and the conduct, violations could result in administrative fines, license suspension or revocation, civil fines, misdemeanor charges, or Class C felony charges. The bill would take effect on October 1, 2026.
SB7 would amend Sections 41-9-1022 and 41-9-1038 of the Code of Alabama 1975, changing the Alabama Athletic Commission’s regulatory framework for unarmed combat. It would add a specific statutory ban on slap fighting, expand enforcement authority to include the Attorney General’s ability to seek court orders, and reinforce criminal and civil penalties for unauthorized or unlawful combat-related activity. The bill would affect promoters, managers, matchmakers, licensees, professional and amateur combat participants, and commission personnel, while also directing collected fines and purse penalties into the Alabama Athletic Commission Fund.
The available record shows no committee transcript, no recorded votes, and the bill’s last action as indefinitely postponed, so there is little direct evidence of debate or support in the provided materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as a public-safety and regulatory enforcement bill rather than a controversial policy expansion, but the lack of voting history makes overall sentiment difficult to gauge. The indefinite postponement suggests the bill did not advance, regardless of any underlying support or opposition.
The main points of contention likely center on the outright prohibition of slap fighting and the bill’s tougher enforcement regime. Potential opponents could object to criminalizing participation or promotion of a niche combat sport, especially the creation of Class C felony exposure for managers, promoters, matchmakers, licensees, and commission personnel in certain circumstances. Supporters would likely emphasize consumer protection, safety concerns, and the need to give the Attorney General and the Alabama Athletic Commission stronger tools to stop unauthorized events and punish repeat or serious violations.