Bill > SF190

This bill establishes enhanced criminal penalties specifically targeting assaults against sports officials in youth athletic activities. Under the proposed law, a person who commits certain aggressive acts against a sports official because of their officiating role would be charged with a gross misdemeanor. These specific acts include: (1) assaulting the official and causing demonstrable bodily harm, or (2) intentionally throwing or transferring bodily fluids or feces at or onto the official. The bill defines a "sports official" broadly to include individuals serving in roles such as umpire, referee, judge, linesperson, timer, or scorekeeper for youth athletic events, as defined in an existing Minnesota statute. The new provisions would take effect on August 1, 2025, and would apply to crimes committed on or after that date. By creating this specific category of offense, the bill aims to provide additional legal protection for sports officials and deter potential violence in youth sports settings.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0190&ssn=0&y=2025