Relating to immunity for ringside physicians assigned to combative sports events, the official text

S.B. No. 842

AN ACT

relating to immunity for ringside physicians assigned to combative

sports events.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Subchapter F, Chapter 2052, Occupations Code, is

amended by adding Section 2052.255 to read as follows:

Sec. 2052.255. IMMUNITY FOR RINGSIDE PHYSICIANS.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a ringside

physician is immune from civil liability arising from acts within

the scope of the physician's responsibilities at a combative sports

event.

(b) The immunity from civil liability provided by

Subsection (a) does not apply to a cause of action arising from an

act or omission constituting gross negligence of the physician.

SECTION 2. Section 2052.255, Occupations Code, as added by

this Act, applies only to an action commenced on or after the

effective date of this Act.

SECTION 3. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives

a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as

provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this

Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this

Act takes effect September 1, 2025.

______________________________
______________________________

President of the Senate
Speaker of the House

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 842 passed the Senate on

March 19, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

______________________________

Secretary of the Senate

I hereby certify that S.B. No. 842 passed the House on

May 12, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 141, Nays 1, one

present not voting.

______________________________

Chief Clerk of the House

Approved:

______________________________

Date

______________________________

Governor