summary
Introduced
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
In Committee
01/20/2025
01/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Prohibits a person from intentionally causing physical injury to another if the person knows or has reason to know that the other is an official, an umpire, a referee, or a judge officiating at a sporting event; authorizes a police officer to arrest a person without a warrant if the police officer has probable cause to believe that the person has committed a certain assault; and establishing that a person who violates the Act is guilty of a misdemeanor of assault in the second degree and is subject to certain penalties.
AI Summary
This bill amends Maryland's criminal law to specifically prohibit intentionally causing physical injury to sports officials (including umpires, referees, and judges) during a sporting event. The legislation makes such an assault a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 10 years in prison or a fine of up to $2,500, or both. The bill also expands the list of circumstances under which a police officer can make a warrantless arrest to include assault against sports officials. Under the new law, if a person knows or has reason to know that the individual they are assaulting is an official officiating at a sporting event, they can be charged with second-degree assault. This change aims to provide additional legal protection for sports officials by creating a specific criminal offense that recognizes the unique vulnerability of these individuals while they are performing their professional duties. The bill will go into effect on October 1, 2025, giving law enforcement and the judicial system time to prepare for the new provision.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Stuart Schmidt (R)*,
Steve Arentz (R),
Barry Beauchamp (R),
Mary Lehman (D),
Ric Metzgar (R),
Kent Roberson (D),
Last Action
House Judiciary Hearing (13:00:00 2/11/2025 ) (on 02/11/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0462?ys=2025RS |
| BillText | https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/bills/hb/hb0462f.pdf |
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