Bill > HB295

This bill establishes two new offenses under Missouri law: harassment of a school or recreation athletic contest official and unauthorized entry or remaining at a school or recreation athletic contest. The "Respect the Whistle Act" defines harassment as verbal or nonverbal behavior that would cause a reasonable person to fear bodily harm, specifically targeting officials like referees, coaches, and administrators during or immediately after a school or recreation athletic contest. If a person commits this offense, they can be fined up to $500, imprisoned for up to 90 days, and will be required to complete 40 hours of community service and participate in a court-approved counseling program, such as anger management. The bill also creates a separate offense for entering or remaining at an athletic contest site after being explicitly forbidden by an authorized person, which can result in a fine up to $500 and imprisonment for up to six months. The law aims to protect athletic officials and maintain the integrity and safety of school and recreational sporting events by establishing clear legal consequences for harassment and unauthorized presence.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB295&year=2025&code=R