Bill > H1370

This bill aims to strengthen the penalty for criminal harassment against sports officials. It defines "sports official" as any person who serves as a referee, umpire, line judge, scorer, timer, or in a similar capacity, whether paid or volunteer, during a sporting event and is registered with or a member of an organization that provides education and training to sports officials. The bill also defines "sporting event" as any interscholastic, intramural, community, business, or nonprofit organized athletic activity that is officiated by a sports official. The bill sets a penalty of up to 2.5 years in a house of correction or a fine of up to $1,000 for those convicted of willfully and maliciously engaging in an act or series of acts that seriously alarms a sports official and would cause substantial emotional distress. For a second or subsequent conviction, the penalty is up to 2.5 years in a house of correction or up to 10 years in state prison.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1370