Bill > HB79

This bill aims to increase legal penalties for assault when the victim is a sports official, either during their official duties at a sports event or in retaliation for actions taken during those duties. Specifically, the bill modifies Ohio's existing assault laws to create new circumstances where an assault against a sports official can be classified as a felony of the fifth degree. If an offender commits such an assault and has previously been convicted of a similar offense, the penalty can be more severe. The bill broadly defines "sports official" to include referees, umpires, timekeepers, scorekeepers, and similar roles across various types of athletic events, including interscholastic, intramural, community, business, professional, and semiprofessional sports. Additionally, the bill introduces a mandatory fine of $1,500 and requires 40 hours of community service for misdemeanor assault cases involving sports officials. By creating these specific protections, the legislation seeks to deter violence against sports officials and recognize the importance of their role in maintaining fair and safe sporting environments.

Justice

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb79