§ 1003. State athletic commission. 1. The state athletic commission, as named by chapter nine hundred twelve of the laws of nineteen hundred twenty, as amended by chapter six hundred three of the laws of nineteen hundred eighty-one, is continued as a division of the department of state. The commission shall act in the best interests of combative sports. The commission is enacted to protect the health, safety and general welfare of all participants in combative sports and spectators thereof, to preserve the integrity of combative sports through the means of licensing, oversight, enforcement and the authorization of sanctioning entities, and to facilitate the development and responsible conduct of combative sports throughout the entire state. The commission shall consist of five members who shall be appointed by the governor by and with the advice and consent of the senate. The governor shall designate one of the members as chairperson of the commission. The members of the commission shall be appointed for terms of three years. Any vacancy in the membership of the commission caused otherwise than by expiration of term shall be filled only for the balance of the term of the member in whose position the vacancy occurs.

2. The commissioners shall be paid their actual and necessary traveling and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties. The members of the commission shall adopt a seal for the commission, and make such rules for the administration of their office, not inconsistent herewith, as they may deem expedient; and they may amend or abrogate such rules. Three of the members of the commission shall constitute a quorum to do business; and the concurrence of a majority of the commissioners present shall be necessary to render a determination by the commission. The commission is vested with the authority to adopt such rules and regulations as necessary to effectuate the provisions of this article.