Maryland Extends Combat-Sports Blood Testing Window to 90 Days: What MMA and Kickboxing Gyms Need to Know
A Maryland law in force since 1 October 2026 triples the window for the blood tests a fighter must submit to the State Athletic Commission — from 30 days to 90. The tests themselves have not changed. For gyms that put athletes into regulated boxing, kickboxing and mixed martial arts bouts, it is a scheduling change worth building into every fight camp.
The facts in brief
- The law: Senate Bill 32 (cross-filed as House Bill 236), “State Athletic Commission – Blood Testing of Contestants – Timing,” enacted as Chapter 126 of the Laws of Maryland 2026.
- Passed: Senate 44–0 on 12 February 2026; House of Delegates 132–0 on 2 April 2026. Approved by Governor Wes Moore on 14 April 2026.
- In force: 1 October 2026.
- What changed: the qualifying window for required blood tests goes from 30 days to 90 days.
- What did not change: the tests required, and the rule that every result must be negative.
What the law says
The bill amends section 4-304.1 of the Business Regulation Article, which governs blood testing of contestants licensed by the Maryland State Athletic Commission. Contestants must submit negative results for three tests:
- antibodies to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV);
- the antigen of hepatitis B; and
- antibodies to hepatitis C.
The change applies at two points:
| When the test is required | Before 1 Oct 2026 | From 1 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Applying for a contestant licence | Taken within the prior 30 days | Taken within the prior 90 days |
| When the Commission directs testing before a contest | Within 30 days of the contest | Within 90 days of the contest |
The bill’s synopsis describes the contests concerned as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and mixed martial arts contests regulated by the Commission.
Why Maryland made the change
SB 32 was a departmental bill requested by the Maryland Department of Labor, which houses the Commission. According to the Department of Legislative Services’ fiscal and policy note:
- the Commission said the change brings Maryland into line with other athletic commissions — Pennsylvania and Virginia each accept results up to 180 days old;
- fighters had repeatedly been withdrawn from bouts because their bloodwork had expired;
- a longer window reduces testing costs for promoters and widens the pool of replacement fighters who can step in without paying for expedited tests.
The Department of Labor rated the bill as having a meaningful economic effect on Maryland small businesses, and the Department of Legislative Services agreed.
Who it applies to — and who it does not
Regulated competition, not training. The testing rule applies to people licensed as contestants by the State Athletic Commission for contests it regulates. A member of a fitness kickboxing class, a student sparring during an ordinary class, or a BJJ player rolling at open mat is not a contestant under this law. The fiscal note also records that certain amateur and intercollegiate events fall outside the Commission’s authority. If you are unsure whether an event your athletes enter is Commission-regulated, ask the promoter for the sanctioning details or contact the Commission before you book bloodwork.
What this means for gyms
- One test can now cover a whole camp. Under a 30-day window, a fighter tested at the start of an eight-week camp would need retesting before the bout. A 90-day window usually covers the camp, a weigh-in delay and a rescheduled date.
- Short-notice fights get easier. An athlete with a test on file from the last two or three months can accept a replacement bout without paying for rush results. Gyms that keep their competitive roster current become the gym promoters call first.
- Athletes who compete repeatedly save money. A fighter on a busy amateur or regional pro schedule can often reuse one set of results across more than one Maryland bout, subject to the Commission’s acceptance.
- Track expiry dates, not test dates. Keep a simple record for each competitor showing the date of draw and the date 90 days later. Store copies of results with the athlete’s consent, and treat them as confidential health information.
- Other states keep their own clocks. The 90-day window applies to Maryland licensing. An athlete fighting in another state must meet that commission’s rule, which may be shorter or longer.
- Nothing else in the licensing file has been relaxed. The bill concerns timing only. Medical examinations and other requirements set by the Commission’s regulations still apply as before.
For Maryland school owners, this is the second state regime worth keeping on file. Membership contracts at a Maryland martial arts school are governed separately, by the Health Club Services law, which names self-defense schools expressly — see our Maryland reference entry. For how other commissions are changing combat-sports rules, see our reports on Ontario’s new professional Muay Thai rules and Manitoba’s amateur jiu-jitsu licensing, and our desk for MMA and combat sports gym owners.
Frequently asked questions
Did Maryland drop HIV and hepatitis testing for fighters?
No. The same three tests are still required and the results must still be negative. Only the permitted age of the results changed, from 30 days to 90.
When did the change take effect?
1 October 2026. The bill was approved by the Governor on 14 April 2026 as Chapter 126.
Does this apply to students who train MMA or kickboxing but do not compete?
No. It applies to contestants licensed by the Maryland State Athletic Commission for contests it regulates, not to recreational training or ordinary classes.
Is 90 days the longest window in the region?
No. According to Maryland’s fiscal note, Pennsylvania and Virginia each accept results up to 180 days old.
Sources
- Maryland General Assembly, SB 32 (2026 Regular Session) — bill history, votes and status.
- Laws of Maryland 2026, Chapter 126 (enacted text of SB 32).
- Department of Legislative Services, Fiscal and Policy Note, HB 236.
This article provides general information and is not legal or medical advice. Confirm current requirements with the Maryland State Athletic Commission before an athlete is licensed or booked.
