Bill > A4176

Introduced Session

This bill would upgrade any simple assault committed against a sports official for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event to an aggravated assault. Under the bill, a person commits aggravated assault if the person is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official; or because of the person's status as a sports official. The bill defines "sports official" as meaning "any person who serves as a referee, umpire, timer, scorer, coach, athletic trainer, manager, or assistant for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event, or serves in a similar capacity but may be known by a different title, whether the person is compensated or a volunteer." Under current law, an assault committed against a sports official would constitute a disorderly persons offense. Under the bill, assault against a sports official would be upgraded to aggravated assault, which is a crime of the fourth degree if the official suffered no bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if bodily injury occurred. A crime of the fourth degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The changes to the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Vicky Flynn (R)*,  Ellen Park (D)*, 

Reported and Referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee (on 12/12/2024)

Official Document