A bill sponsored by Rep. Matt Peterson, D-Rumford, which would legalize mixed martial arts competitions in Maine, gained committee approval Friday.

Peterson presented members of the Business, Research and Economic Development Committee with an amendment to his original bill regarding oversight of the competitions in response to concerns from state officials.

The amendment would create a board of up to five members to oversee and regulate such events, which would be paid for by a fee assessed to promoters. The model mirrors practices of other athletic commissions in other states.

Fireworks!

Sen. Walter Gooley, R-Farmington, received a split vote Friday from the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on his bill to legalize fireworks in the state. The vote was 5-5, with three members absent. Those who did not vote will have the chance to weigh in Monday.

Rep. Mike Lajoie, D-Lewiston, voted against the measure. Lajoie is a former chief of the Lewiston Fire Department.

During the public hearing last week, proponents of the bill argued for the economic benefits of allowing fireworks to be sold in state, as well as the safety of being able to regulate an activity happening anyway.

– Rebekah Metzler