A two-week deadlock in the New York senate has put MMA on the ropes.

The last day of the legislative body’s 2009 session ended Monday, stranding several bills under consideration including one to legalize MMA in the Empire State.

Governor David Patterson on Sunday called a special session for the Senate to break a stalemate brought by a shift in party lines. Democrats have refused to participate in session since two members of its party sided with Republicans in a leadership vote, giving the GOP control of the Senate. Last week, one Democrat returned to the fold, leaving the chamber in a tie.

Lawmakers are due to vote on a budget for New York City, same-sex marriage, and a sales tax hike, among others.

Senate bill S2165A, proposed as a law to amend the state’s current regulation of boxing, sparring, and wrestling, remains in the Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation committee where it was first referred in April. The bill was scheduled for a vote the day after the legislative turmoil broke out on June 8.

Sarah Crean, a staffer with Cultural Affairs chair Sen. Jose M. Serrano, said the current legislative environment made the prospect of the MMA bill’s passage grim.

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