<section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-101" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="1" subtitle_name="Definitions"> <level label="a"> <text>In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>“Boxing” includes sparring.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>“Commission” means the State Athletic Commission.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>“Contest” means a boxing, kick boxing, or wrestling:</text> <level label="i"> <text>competition;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>exhibition;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>match;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>performance; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>show.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Contest” includes a mixed martial arts:</text> <level label="i"> <text>competition;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>match;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>performance; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>show.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Contest” does not include a mixed martial arts exhibition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Contestant” means an individual who participates in a boxing, professional kick boxing, amateur kick boxing, professional mixed martial arts, or amateur mixed martial arts contest.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Mixed martial arts” means a competition in which contestants use interdisciplinary forms of fighting, including various forms of martial arts, involving:</text> <level label="1"> <text>striking with the hands, feet, knees, or elbows; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>grappling by take–downs, throws, submissions, or choke holds.</text> </level> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Mixed martial arts exhibition” means mixed martial arts where:</text> <level label="1"> <text>contact to the body is permitted in only a restrained manner;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>contact to the head is not permitted; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>no contact is permitted that may result, or is intended to result, in physical harm to an opponent.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-201" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <text>There is a State Athletic Commission in the Department.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-202" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the Governor with the advice of the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before taking office, each appointee to the Commission shall take the oath required by Article I, § 9 of the Maryland Constitution.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The term of a member is 6 years and begins on July 1.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 1992.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Except as provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection and subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, a member shall be considered to have resigned if the member did not attend at least two–thirds of the Commission meetings held during any consecutive 12–month period while the member was serving on the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Governor may waive a member’s resignation and allow the member to continue serving if the member has been unable to attend meetings for reasons satisfactory to the Governor and the reasons are made public.</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>In accordance with § 8–501 of the State Government Article, the chairman shall provide notice to the Governor and the Governor shall appoint a successor.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-203" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall elect a chairman from among the members of the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The manner of election of the chairman and the chairman’s term of office shall be as the Commission determines.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-204" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>A majority of the authorized membership of the Commission is a quorum.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Commission may not act unless a majority of the authorized membership concurs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall set the times and places of its meetings.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>The chairman of the Commission is entitled to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an annual salary of $6,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>Each other member of the Commission is entitled to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>an annual salary of $4,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>While in office, each member of the Commission shall be covered by a surety bond or an insurance policy of the type and in the amount of coverage determined by the State Treasurer under § 5–108 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The Commission may employ a staff in accordance with the State budget.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>The Commission shall have its general offices in Baltimore City.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-205" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall control and have jurisdiction over all contests held in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission may:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt regulations to administer its office;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>administer oaths; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses to testify or to produce evidence.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>adopt a seal;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle and Subtitle 3 of this title;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>keep a record of its proceedings;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>keep at its general offices all its books, documents, and papers; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>prepare notices and other papers for service.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-206" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <text>The Commission shall pay all money that it collects into the General Fund of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-207" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <text>The Commission exercises its powers and duties subject to the authority of the Secretary.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-208" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="State Athletic Commission"> <text>Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, this subtitle and Subtitle 3 of this title and all regulations adopted under this subtitle and Subtitle 3 of this title shall terminate on July 1, 2031.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-301" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle, “license” means a license issued by the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In this subtitle, “license” includes:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a license to participate as a boxer in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a license to participate as a professional kick boxer in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a license to participate as an amateur kick boxer in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a license to participate as a wrestler in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>a license to participate as a professional mixed martial arts contestant in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>a license to participate as an amateur mixed martial arts contestant in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>a license to act as a manager for a contestant;</text> </level> <level label="8"> <text>a license to act as a referee in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>a license to act as a judge in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>a license to act as a second in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>a license to act as a matchmaker of a contest; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>a license to act as a promoter of a contest.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-302" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, this subtitle does not apply to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>intercollegiate, interscholastic, or intramural boxing, kick boxing, or wrestling;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>amateur boxing conducted under the supervision of a nationally recognized amateur organization;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>martial arts where:</text> <level label="i"> <text>contact to the body is permitted in only a restrained manner;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>contact to the head is not permitted; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>no contact is permitted that may result, or is intended to result, in physical harm to an opponent; or</text> </level> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a mixed martial arts exhibition.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Each boxer shall wear protective headgear in each amateur boxing match or exhibition.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-303" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>This section does not apply to an individual authorized to participate as a wrestler or a contestant or to act as a manager, referee, judge, second, matchmaker, or promoter in a contest in the State under §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A person may not participate as a wrestler or contestant in a contest in the State unless the person has an appropriate license.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A person may not act as a manager, referee, judge, second, matchmaker, or promoter in a contest in the State unless the person has an appropriate license.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-304" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>A licensee shall be examined by a licensed physician who is chosen by the Commission and who specializes in neurology or neurosurgery prior to the licensee’s first appearance as a contestant in a kick boxing, boxing, or mixed martial arts contest following the issuance or renewal of a license.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall pay the cost of the neurological examination required under this section from license fees collected under this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-304.1" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>Each applicant for a license to participate as a contestant in a contest shall present documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Commission, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>within the prior 90–day period, the applicant has been tested for the presence of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the antigen of virus hepatitis B; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>antibodies to virus hepatitis C; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the results of all tests are negative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Whenever directed by the Commission, an individual who is licensed to participate as a contestant in a contest shall present documentary evidence, satisfactory to the Commission, that:</text> <level label="1"> <text>within 90 days prior to participating in a contest, the individual has been tested for the presence of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the antigen of virus hepatitis B; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>antibodies to virus hepatitis C; and</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the results of all tests are negative.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A test for the presence of HIV conducted under the provisions of this section shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Title 4, Subtitle 3 and § 18–336 of the Health – General Article.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>If the Commission denies a license, suspends or revokes a license, denies renewal of a license, or does not allow an individual to participate in a contest because of the failure of the individual to comply with this section, the Commission shall keep the information confidential and may not disclose the reason for its action.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A person who violates paragraph (1) of this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for the first offense and not exceeding $5,000 for each subsequent conviction.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-305" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit to the Commission an application on the form that the Commission provides; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Commission an application fee of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$10 for a license to participate as a wrestler or contestant in a contest or to act as a second in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>$15 for a license to act as a referee or judge in a contest;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>$25 for a license to act as a manager of a contestant;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>$25 for a license to act as a matchmaker of a contest; or</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>$150 for a license to act as a promoter of a contest.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The application shall contain the information that the Commission requires by regulation.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-306" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license to act as a promoter of a contest shall execute a surety bond to be given to the State for the benefit of each person who may be interested in the payment of the expenses incurred in connection with the contest.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The surety bond shall be:</text> <level label="1"> <text>in the amount of:</text> <level label="i"> <text>$2,000; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>any greater amount that the Commission requires;</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>in a form that the Commission approves;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>with a surety that the Commission approves; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>conditioned on the payment, within the time that the Commission sets, of all expenses incurred in connection with the contest.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-307" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>The Commission shall issue a license to each applicant who meets the requirements of this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-308" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>A boxer license authorizes the licensee to participate as a boxer in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>A professional kick boxer license authorizes the licensee to participate as a professional kick boxer in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An amateur kick boxer license authorizes the licensee to participate as an amateur kick boxer in a contest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A wrestler license authorizes the licensee to participate as a wrestler in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>A professional mixed martial arts contestant license authorizes the licensee to participate as a professional mixed martial arts contestant in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>An amateur mixed martial arts contestant license authorizes the licensee to participate as an amateur mixed martial arts contestant in a contest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>A manager license authorizes the licensee to act as a manager of a contestant.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A referee license authorizes the licensee to act as a referee in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>A judge license authorizes the licensee to act as a judge in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>A second license authorizes the licensee to act as a second in a contest.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>A matchmaker license authorizes the licensee to act as a matchmaker of a contest.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>A promoter license authorizes the licensee to act as a promoter of a contest.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-309" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A license expires on the first anniversary of its effective date.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-310" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 4–311 of this subtitle, the Commission may deny a license to an applicant, reprimand a licensee, or suspend or revoke a license if the applicant or licensee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fraudulently or deceptively obtains or attempts to obtain a license for the applicant or licensee or for another person;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>fraudulently or deceptively uses a license;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>violates this title; or</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>violates a regulation adopted under this title.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <level label="i"> <text>Instead of or in addition to reprimanding a licensee or suspending or revoking a license under this subsection, the Commission may impose a penalty of up to $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>To determine the amount of the penalty imposed under this subsection, the Commission shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any previous violations;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>the assets of the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the harmful effect of the violation on the general public and the sporting industry.</text> </level> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to the grounds in subsection (a) of this section, the Commission may deny a boxer, amateur kick boxer, professional kick boxer, amateur mixed martial arts contestant, or professional mixed martial arts contestant license to an applicant or suspend or revoke a boxer, amateur kick boxer, professional kick boxer, amateur mixed martial arts contestant, or professional mixed martial arts contestant license if the Commission finds that the applicant or licensee is not fit, based on the neurological examination required under §§ 4–304 and 4–314 of this subtitle and the recommendation of the physician who made the examination.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 4–311 of this subtitle, the Commission may suspend or revoke a boxer, amateur kick boxer, professional kick boxer, amateur mixed martial arts contestant, or professional mixed martial arts contestant license and may order the boxer, amateur kick boxer, professional kick boxer, amateur mixed martial arts contestant, or professional mixed martial arts contestant to forfeit the purse or other compensation from the contest if the contestant:</text> <level label="1"> <text>refuses to submit to a drug test required under § 4–315(b) of this subtitle; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>submits a urine or blood sample that tests positive for the presence of a controlled dangerous substance defined in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article or other substance that the Commission prohibits by regulation, including human growth hormones, steroids, or other performance enhancing drugs.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 4–311 of this subtitle, the Commission shall deny a promoter license to an applicant or revoke a promoter license if the applicant or licensee:</text> <level label="i"> <text>fails to pay the boxing and wrestling tax required under Title 6 or Title 13 of the Tax – General Article; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>holds or participates in a fake boxing, wrestling, or mixed martial arts contest.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a person fails to pay the boxing and wrestling tax, the Commission shall:</text> <level label="i"> <text>impose a penalty not exceeding $5,000; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>act to enforce the bond of the promoter.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-311" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Commission takes any final action under § 4-310 of this subtitle, it shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Commission.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission may administer oaths in a proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated does not appear, nevertheless the Commission may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-312" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A party to a proceeding before the Commission who is aggrieved by a final decision of the Commission in a contested case, as defined in § 10-202 of the State Government Article, may take an appeal as allowed in §§ 10-222 and 10-223 of the State Government Article.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-313" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A person may hold a contest in the State only if it is authorized by the Commission and is in accordance with this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-314" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission shall require an individual to be examined by a licensed physician who is chosen by the Commission and who specializes in neurology or neurosurgery before the individual may participate as a contestant in a contest in the State if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the individual has participated as a contestant in more than 12 contests in or out of the State;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a ringside physician recommends the examination; or</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>in 2 successive contests the individual:</text> <level label="i"> <text>receives a technical knockout as a result of a neurological injury; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>is knocked out.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Commission shall pay the cost of the neurological examination required under this section from the license fees collected under this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>On the basis of the neurological examination and the recommendation of the physician who conducts the examination, the Commission may find that the individual is not fit and may prohibit the individual from participating in a contest in the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-315" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>A contestant shall be allowed to enter the ring only if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a physician approved by the Commission declares the contestant to be physically fit; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the contestant has complied with § 4–304.1 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Each contestant in a contest shall submit to:</text> <level label="i"> <text>a chemical test of the urine or blood of the contestant to detect the presence of a controlled dangerous substance defined in § 5–101 of the Criminal Law Article or other substance that the Commission prohibits by regulation; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, a test of the blood or urine of the contestant to detect the presence of performance enhancing drugs, including:</text> <level label="1"> <text>human growth hormones; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>anabolic steroids.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>A contestant shall be required to submit to a blood or urine test under paragraph (1)(ii) of this subsection if:</text> <level label="i"> <text>there is reasonable cause to believe the contestant has used a substance prohibited by regulation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the contestant was randomly selected by lottery; or</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the contestant has a documented or otherwise verified history of drug use within the 5 years immediately preceding the date of the contest.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Commission shall set the length in rounds of each contest.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission shall adopt regulations to ensure the safety of individuals who participate in amateur or professional mixed martial arts contests.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In developing the regulations, the Commission shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>appropriate limits on acceptable maneuvers;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>time limits for contest rounds; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>rules for termination of a contest.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-316" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A wrestler or contestant who participates in a fake contest:</text> <level label="1"> <text>for the first offense, shall be prohibited for a period of 6 months beginning immediately after the offense from participating in a contest that is held by a person licensed to act as a promoter of a contest; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>for the second offense, shall be disqualified from attendance at or participation in a contest that is held by a person licensed to act as a promoter of a contest.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-317" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>To protect the general public, the promoter of a contest shall have the price of seats at the contest published in at least 2 newspapers of general circulation in the county in which the contest is held.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The advertisement shall be in a space that is at least 2 inches by 3 inches.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-318" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A promoter may not allow the sale or exchange of a ticket or complimentary ticket for an amount that exceeds the box office price.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-319" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A building or other structure that is used or intended to be used, wholly or partly, for a contest shall be ventilated properly and have fire exits and escapes in conformance with local law.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-320" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A promoter may not allow a person who does not have an appropriate license to participate as a wrestler or contestant in a contest or to act as a manager, referee, judge, second, or matchmaker in a contest.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-321" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <text>A manager, second, matchmaker, promoter, or principal may not accept money or a gift from a boxer, exhibitor of boxing, kick boxer, wrestler, or mixed martial arts contestant in return for a special privilege or for discriminating in making a match.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-322" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>A person who violates this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and, on conviction, is subject to a fine not exceeding $2,000, six months imprisonment, or both.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>The Commission may impose on a person who violates any provision of this title a penalty not exceeding $5,000 for each violation.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In setting the amount of the penalty, the Commission shall consider:</text> <level label="i"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>the good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>any history of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>any other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>The Commission shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-323" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="3" subtitle_name="Boxing, Kick Boxing, Wrestling, and Mixed Martial Arts"> <level label="a"> <text>The Commission may seek an ex parte, interlocutory, or final injunction from a circuit court if it concludes that a person:</text> <level label="1"> <text>conducts or attempts to conduct a contest that is not under the control and jurisdiction of the Commission in violation of § 4-205(a) of this title; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>participates or attempts to participate in a contest in the absence of a valid license issued by the Commission in violation of § 4-303 of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The injunctive relief may be sought from the circuit court of any county in which the contest is to be held or where the individual who is alleged to be violating this subtitle resides or has its principal place of business.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>When seeking an injunction under this section, the Commission is not required to:</text> <level label="1"> <text>file a bond; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>show a lack of adequate remedy at law.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-401" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>“Agency contract” means an agreement in which a student–athlete authorizes a person to negotiate or solicit on behalf of the student–athlete a professional–sports–services contract or an endorsement contract.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Agency contract” includes a written agreement for current or future representation in which a student–athlete authorizes a person to assess and plan for the financial benefits that may arise out of the student–athlete’s professional sports career.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <level label="1"> <text>“Athlete agent” means an individual who enters into an agency contract with a student–athlete or, directly or indirectly, recruits or solicits a student–athlete to enter into an agency contract.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Athlete agent” includes an individual who:</text> <level label="i"> <text>represents to the public that the individual is an athlete agent; or</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>facilitates or encourages a connection between a student–athlete and another athlete agent.</text> </level> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Athlete agent” does not include a spouse, parent, sibling, grandparent, or guardian of the student–athlete, or an individual acting solely on behalf of a professional sports team or professional sports organization.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <text>“Athletic director” means an individual responsible for administering:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the overall athletic program of an educational institution; or</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the athletic program for males or the athletic program for females if an educational institution has separately administered athletic programs for male students and female students, as appropriate.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>“Contact” means a communication, direct or indirect, between an athlete agent and a student-athlete to recruit or solicit the student-athlete to enter into an agency contract.</text> </level> <level label="f"> <text>“Endorsement contract” means an agreement under which a student-athlete is employed or receives consideration to use on behalf of another party for any value that the student-athlete may have due to publicity, reputation, following, or fame obtained due to athletic ability or performance.</text> </level> <level label="g"> <text>“Intercollegiate sport” means a sport played at the collegiate level for which eligibility requirements of a student-athlete are established by a national association for the promotion or regulation of collegiate athletics.</text> </level> <level label="h"> <text>“License” means a license issued by the Secretary to act as an athlete agent.</text> </level> <level label="i"> <text>“Person” means an individual, corporation, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, governmental agency or instrumentality, public corporation, or any other legal or commercial entity.</text> </level> <level label="j"> <text>“Professional-sports-services contract” means an agreement under which an individual is employed or agrees to render services as a player on a professional sports team with a professional sports organization or as a professional athlete.</text> </level> <level label="k"> <text>“Record” means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.</text> </level> <level label="l"> <text>“State” means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.</text> </level> <level label="m"> <level label="1"> <text>“Student-athlete” means an individual who engages in, is eligible to engage in, or may be eligible in the future to engage in, any intercollegiate sport.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>“Student-athlete” includes an individual who is or was a member of a sports team of a high school.</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>“Student-athlete” does not include an individual permanently ineligible to participate in a particular sport.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-402" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>By acting as an athlete agent in the State, a nonresident individual appoints the Secretary as the individual’s agent for service of process in any civil action in the State related to the individual’s acting as an athlete agent in the State.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary may issue subpoenas for any material that is relevant to the administration of this subtitle.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-403" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section or §§ 10–14A–03 and 10–14B–03 of the State Government Article, an individual may not act as an athlete agent in the State without holding a license under § 4–405 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Before being issued a license, an individual may act as an athlete agent in the State for all purposes except signing an agency contract if:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a student-athlete or another person acting on behalf of the student-athlete initiates communication with the individual; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>within 7 days after an initial act as an athlete agent, the individual submits an application for a license as an athlete agent in the State.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An agency contract resulting from conduct in violation of this section is void and the athlete agent shall return any consideration received under the contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-404" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An applicant for a license shall:</text> <level label="1"> <text>submit to the Secretary an application on the form the Secretary requires; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pay to the Secretary a $25 application fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>In addition to any other information required on the application, the application must be in the name of an individual and, except as otherwise provided in subsection (d) of this section, signed or otherwise authenticated by the applicant under penalty of perjury and state or contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name of the applicant and the address of the applicant’s principal place of business;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name of the applicant’s business or employer, if applicable;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any business or occupation engaged in by the applicant for 5 years before the date of the application;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a description of the applicant’s:</text> <level label="i"> <text>formal training as an athlete agent;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>practical experience as an athlete agent; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>educational background relating to the applicant’s activities as an athlete agent;</text> </level> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the names and addresses of three individuals not related to the applicant who are willing to serve as references;</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the name, sport, and last known team for each individual for whom the applicant acted as an athlete agent during the 5 years before the date of the application;</text> </level> <level label="7"> <text>the names and addresses of all persons who are:</text> <level label="i"> <text>with respect to the athlete agent’s business if it is not a corporation, the partners, members, officers, managers, associates, or profit sharers of the business; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>with respect to a corporation employing the athlete agent, the officer’s directors, and any shareholder of the corporation having an interest of 5% or greater;</text> </level> </level> <level label="8"> <text>whether the applicant or any person named in accordance with item (7) of this subsection has been convicted of a crime that, if committed in the State, would be a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony, and identify the crime;</text> </level> <level label="9"> <text>whether there has been any administrative or judicial determination that the applicant or any person named in accordance with item (7) of this subsection has made a false, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent representation;</text> </level> <level label="10"> <text>any instance in which the conduct of the applicant or any person named in accordance with item (7) of this subsection resulted in the imposition of a sanction, suspension, or declaration of ineligibility to participate in an interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic event on a student-athlete or educational institution;</text> </level> <level label="11"> <text>any sanction, suspension, or disciplinary action taken against the applicant or any person named in accordance with item (7) of this subsection arising out of occupational or professional misconduct; and</text> </level> <level label="12"> <text>whether there has been any denial of an application for, suspension or revocation of, or refusal to renew the registration or licensure of the applicant or any person named in accordance with item (7) of this subsection as an athlete agent in any state.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>Notwithstanding subsection (b)(7) of this section, an applicant who is a member of the Bar of the Court of Appeals of Maryland need not provide the name and address of a person who is a partner, member, associate, or profit sharer in a law firm or professional corporation.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual who has submitted an application for, and holds a certificate of registration or licensure as an athlete agent in another state, may submit a copy of the application and certificate in lieu of submitting an application in the form required under subsection (b) of this section.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall accept the application and the certificate from the other state as an application for a license in the State if the application to the other state:</text> <level label="i"> <text>was submitted in the other state 6 months before the submission of the application in the State and the applicant certifies that the information contained in the application is current;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>contains information substantially similar to or more comprehensive than that required in an application submitted in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>was signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury.</text> </level> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-405" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall issue a license to an individual who:</text> <level label="1"> <text>complies with § 4-404(a) of this subtitle or whose application has been accepted under § 4-404(d) of this subtitle; and</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>pays to the Secretary a $1,000 license fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 4-407 of this subtitle, the Secretary may deny a license if the Secretary determines that the applicant has engaged in conduct that has a significant adverse effect on the applicant’s fitness to act as an athlete agent.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In making the determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Secretary may consider whether the applicant has:</text> <level label="i"> <text>been convicted of a crime that, if committed in the State, would be a crime involving moral turpitude or a felony;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>made a materially false, misleading, deceptive, or fraudulent representation in the application or as an athlete agent;</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>engaged in conduct that would disqualify the applicant from serving in a fiduciary capacity;</text> </level> <level label="iv"> <text>engaged in conduct prohibited by § 4-413 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="v"> <text>had a registration or licensure as an athlete agent suspended, revoked, or denied or been refused renewal of registration or licensure as an athlete agent in any state;</text> </level> <level label="vi"> <text>engaged in conduct the consequence of which was that a sanction, suspension, or declaration of ineligibility to participate in an interscholastic or intercollegiate athletic event was imposed on a student-athlete or educational institution;</text> </level> <level label="vii"> <text>engaged in conduct that significantly adversely reflects on the applicant’s credibility, honesty, or integrity; or</text> </level> <level label="viii"> <text>failed to demonstrate financial stability.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>In making a determination under subsection (b) of this section, the Secretary shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>how recently the conduct occurred;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the nature of the conduct and the context in which it occurred; and</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any other relevant conduct of the applicant.</text> </level> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An athlete agent may apply to renew a license by:</text> <level label="i"> <text>submitting an application for renewal in a form required by the Secretary; and</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>paying to the Secretary a $1,000 renewal fee.</text> </level> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The application for renewal must be signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury and must contain current information on all matters required in an original application for a license.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <level label="1"> <text>An individual who has submitted an application for renewal of registration or licensure in another state, in lieu of submitting an application for renewal in the form required under subsection (d) of this section, may file a copy of the application for renewal and a valid certificate of registration or licensure from the other state.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall accept the application for renewal from the other state as an application for renewal in the State if the application for the other state:</text> <level label="i"> <text>was submitted in the other state within 6 months before the filing in the State and the applicant certifies the information contained in the application for renewal is current;</text> </level> <level label="ii"> <text>contains information substantially similar to or more comprehensive than that required in an application for renewal submitted in the State; and</text> </level> <level label="iii"> <text>was signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury.</text> </level> </level> </level> <level label="f"> <text>A license or a renewal is valid for 2 years.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-406" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Subject to the hearing provisions of § 4-407 of this subtitle, the Secretary may reprimand a licensee, suspend, or revoke a license for conduct that would have justified denial of a license under § 4-405(b) of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <level label="1"> <text>Instead of or in addition to reprimanding the licensee or suspending or revoking a license under subsection (a) of this section, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty under § 4-416 of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>The Secretary shall pay any penalty collected under this subsection into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-407" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as provided in § 10-226 of the State Government Article, before the Secretary takes any final action under § 4-405(b), § 4-406, or § 4-416 of this subtitle, the Secretary shall give the person against whom the action is contemplated an opportunity for a hearing before the Secretary.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>The Secretary shall give notice and hold the hearing in accordance with Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the State Government Article.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary may administer oaths in a proceeding under this section.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>If, after due notice, the person against whom the action is contemplated does not appear, the Secretary may hear and determine the matter.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-408" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>The Secretary shall pay all moneys collected under this subtitle into the General Fund of the State.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-409" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An agency contract must be in a record signed or otherwise authenticated by the parties.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An agency contract must state or contain:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the amount and method of calculating the consideration to be paid by the student–athlete for services to be provided by the athlete agent under the contract and any other consideration the athlete agent has received or will receive from any other source for entering into the contract or for providing the services;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the name of any person not listed in the application for a license or renewal of a license who will be compensated because the student–athlete signed the agency contract;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a description of any expenses that the student–athlete agrees to reimburse;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>a description of the services to be provided to the student–athlete;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>the duration of the contract; and</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>the date of execution.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An agency contract must contain, in close proximity to the signature of the student–athlete, a conspicuous notice in boldface type in capital letters stating:</text> <text>“WARNING TO STUDENT–ATHLETE</text> <text>IF YOU SIGN THIS CONTRACT: </text> </level> <level label="1"> <text>YOU MAY LOSE YOUR ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE AS A STUDENT–ATHLETE IN YOUR SPORT;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>IF YOU HAVE AN ATHLETIC DIRECTOR, WITHIN 72 HOURS AFTER ENTERING INTO THIS CONTRACT, BOTH YOU AND YOUR ATHLETE AGENT MUST NOTIFY YOUR ATHLETIC DIRECTOR; AND</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>YOU MAY CANCEL THIS CONTRACT WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER SIGNING IT. CANCELLATION OF THIS CONTRACT MAY NOT REINSTATE YOUR ELIGIBILITY.”</text> </level> <level label="d"> <level label="1"> <text>An agency contract that does not conform to this section is voidable by the student–athlete.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>If a student–athlete voids an agency contract under this section, the student–athlete is not required to pay any consideration under the contract or to return any consideration received from the athlete agent to induce the student–athlete to enter into the contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="e"> <text>The athlete agent shall give a record of the signed or otherwise authenticated agency contract to the student–athlete at the time of execution.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-410" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next scheduled athletic event in which the student-athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, the athlete agent shall give notice in a record of the existence of the contract to the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student-athlete is enrolled or the athlete agent has reasonable grounds to believe the student-athlete intends to enroll.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Within 72 hours after entering into an agency contract or before the next athletic event in which the student-athlete may participate, whichever occurs first, the student-athlete shall inform the athletic director of the educational institution at which the student-athlete is enrolled or in which the student-athlete intends to enroll that the student-athlete has entered into an agency contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-411" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>A student-athlete may cancel an agency contract by giving notice of the cancellation to the athlete agent in a record within 14 days after the contract is signed.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>A student-athlete may not waive the right to cancel an agency contract.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>If a student-athlete cancels an agency contract, the student-athlete is not required to pay any consideration under the contract or to return any consideration received from the athlete agent to induce the student-athlete to enter into the contract.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-412" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An athlete agent shall retain the following records for a period of 5 years:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the name of each individual represented by the athlete agent;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the address of each individual represented by the athlete agent;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>any agency contract entered into by the athlete agent; and</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any direct costs incurred by the athlete agent in the recruitment or solicitation of a student-athlete to enter into an agency contract.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Records required to be retained by subsection (a) of this section are open to inspection by the Secretary during normal business hours.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-413" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>An athlete agent, with the intent to induce a student–athlete to enter into an agency contract, may not:</text> <level label="1"> <text>give any materially false or misleading information or make a materially false promise or representation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>furnish anything of value to a student–athlete before the student–athlete enters into the agency contract;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>furnish anything of value to any individual other than the student–athlete or another licensed athlete agent; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>solicit another individual who is not an athlete agent to commit an act on behalf of the athlete agent that is a violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>An athlete agent may not intentionally:</text> <level label="1"> <text>initiate contact with a student–athlete unless licensed under this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>refuse or fail to retain or permit inspection of the records required to be retained by § 4–412 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>fail to obtain a license when required by § 4–403 of this subtitle;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>provide materially false or misleading information in an application for a license or renewal of a license;</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>predate or postdate an agency contract; or</text> </level> <level label="6"> <text>fail to notify a student–athlete before the student–athlete signs or otherwise authenticates an agency contract for a particular sport that the signing or authentication may make the student–athlete ineligible to participate as a student–athlete in that sport.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>An athlete agent may not split a fee with or receive compensation from:</text> <level label="1"> <text>a professional sports league;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>a professional sports franchise;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>a representative or employee of a professional sports league or franchise; or</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>an employee of an educational institution in the State.</text> </level> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-414" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>An athlete agent who violates § 4-413 of this subtitle is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or both.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-415" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <level label="1"> <text>An educational institution has a right of action against an athlete agent or a former student-athlete for damages caused by violation of this subtitle.</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>In an action under this section, the court may award to the prevailing party costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.</text> </level> </level> <level label="b"> <text>Damages to an educational institution under subsection (a) of this section include losses and expenses incurred because, as a result of the conduct of an athlete agent or former student-athlete, the educational institution was injured by a violation of this subtitle or was penalized, disqualified, or suspended from participation in athletics by a national association for the promotion and regulation of athletics, by an athletic conference, or by reasonable self-imposed disciplinary action taken to mitigate sanctions likely to be imposed by such an organization.</text> </level> <level label="c"> <text>A right of action under this section does not accrue until the educational institution discovers, or by the exercise of reasonable diligence would have discovered, the violation by the athlete agent or former student-athlete.</text> </level> <level label="d"> <text>Any liability of the athlete agent or the former student-athlete under this section is several and not joint.</text> </level> <level label="e"> <text>This subtitle does not restrict rights, remedies, or defenses of any person under law or equity.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-416" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <level label="a"> <text>Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle and subject to the provisions of § 4-407 of this subtitle, the Secretary may assess a civil penalty against a person who violates any provision of this subtitle not to exceed $25,000.</text> </level> <level label="b"> <text>To determine the amount of the penalty, the Secretary shall consider:</text> <level label="1"> <text>the seriousness of the violation;</text> </level> <level label="2"> <text>the harm caused by the violation;</text> </level> <level label="3"> <text>the good faith of the violator;</text> </level> <level label="4"> <text>any history of previous violations by the violator; and</text> </level> <level label="5"> <text>any other relevant factors.</text> </level> </level> <level label="c"> <text>The Secretary shall pay any penalty collected under this section into the General Fund of the State.</text> </level> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-417" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>In applying and construing this subtitle, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-418" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>The provisions of this subtitle governing the legal effect, validity, or enforceability of electronic records or signatures, and of contracts formed or performed with the use of such records or signatures conform to the requirements of Section 102 of the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, Pub. L. No. 106-229, 114 Stat. 464 (2000), and supersede, modify, and limit the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-419" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>If any provision of this subtitle or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of this subtitle which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of this subtitle are severable.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-420" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.</text> </section> <section article="gbr" article_name="Business Regulation" number="4-421" title_number="4" title_name="Athletics" subtitle_number="4" subtitle_name="Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act"> <text>This subtitle is the Maryland Uniform Athlete Agents Act.</text> </section>