The Legislature advanced LB635 after committee debate and a floor discussion that included descriptions of several emerging combat sports. The bill adds specified matches and exhibitions to the Nebraska Athletic Commission’s regulatory authority and amends long lists of commission duties.

Sponsor Senator John Hanson briefly described the bill as a product of stakeholder work including the Nebraska Athletic Commission. The general‑affairs committee voted 8‑0 to advance the measure with committee amendment AM399, which removed "slap fighting" from the list of regulated contests and added amateur and professional Muay Thai. Hanson and other supporters said regulation will create safety standards and allow promoters to hold events in Nebraska.

Senators asked about unusual categories of sport mentioned in debate. Senator Dungan asked the sponsor to explain "MMA on ice," which Hanson characterized as a short‑round, helmeted fight on skates that proponents say is safer than unregulated hockey fights because of protective gear and short rounds. Senator Holcroft noted the committee amendment deliberately omitted slap fighting after concerns that the bill would otherwise legalize and regulate it.

The committee amendment (AM399) was adopted on the floor and LB635 advanced to Enrollment & Review‑Initial by a recorded voice vote (reported as 34 ayes, 3 nays on advancement in the clerk record). Proponents said the commission has regulated other combat sports and that clear statutory authorization helps protect public safety and permits promoters to plan events with regulatory certainty.

Next steps include drafting the commission’s administrative rules to set medical, safety and licensing requirements and to define event oversight. The commission and General Affairs staff will work with promoters and local venues to implement the new authority if the bill becomes law.