Section 12. There shall be in the office of public safety and inspections a commission, to be known as the state athletic commission, which shall consist of the commissioner of the division of professional licensure or his designee, and 4 persons to be appointed by the governor who shall serve for terms of 3 years. At least 1 person shall have a background in the sport of boxing and at least 1 person shall have a background in the sport of mixed martial arts. Mixed martial arts shall have the same meaning as defined in section 32 of chapter 147.
The governor shall from time to time designate 1 member as chair. The members shall receive their traveling expenses necessarily incurred in the performance of their duties and shall be allowed such sums for clerical assistance as the governor and council may approve. The division shall provide administrative support to the commission. The commission may deputize 1 or more persons to represent the commission and to be present at a match or exhibition held under sections 32 to 51, inclusive, of chapter 147; provided, however, that such deputies shall be compensated in the amount of $75 for each match or exhibition attended pursuant to this section; provided, further, that deputies shall not receive compensation for travel and incidental expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of their duties.