Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends previous law to make assaulting a sports referee a felony.

Highlights:

• Establishes an assault charge as a fifth-degree felony if (Sec 1):

• The victim of the offense is a sports official, and the offense occurs while the victim is engaged in official duties immediately before, after, or during a sporting event;

• The victim of the offense is a sports official, and the offense is committed in retaliation for an action taken by the victim while engaged in official sporting duties; or

• The offender has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to assaulting a sports official in the past.

• Specifies that if an offender is convicted of or pleads guilty to an assault charge and is convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, in addition to the standard fine of $1,500, the court will impose 40 hours of community service if (Sec 1):

• The victim of the offense is a sports official, and the offense occurs while the victim is engaged in official duties immediately before, after, or during a sporting event; or

• The victim of the offense is a sports official, and the offense is committed in retaliation for an action taken by the victim while engaged in official sporting duties.

• Specifies that sporting events include (Sec 1):

• Any interscholastic or intramural athletic event or activity at an elementary or secondary school, college, or university;

• Any organized athletic activity, including ones sponsored by a community, business, or nonprofit organization; and

• Any professional or semi-professional athletic activity.

Full Bill Text