Bill > HF354

This bill enhances legal protections for sports officials by creating a new category of criminal offense specific to assaults against individuals officiating youth athletic events. The bill defines a "sports official" as anyone serving in an officiating capacity such as an umpire, referee, judge, or scorekeeper for youth athletic activities. Under the proposed law, two specific actions against a sports official would be considered a gross misdemeanor: first, assaulting the official and causing demonstrable bodily harm, and second, intentionally throwing or transferring bodily fluids or feces at or onto the official. These enhanced penalties apply specifically when the assault is motivated by the official's performance of their duties. The bill would take effect on August 1, 2025, and would apply to crimes committed on or after that date, providing a clear timeline for implementation of the new legal provisions. By creating this specific legal category, the bill aims to protect sports officials from violence and provide a deterrent against aggressive behavior during youth athletic events.

Justice

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0354&ssn=0&y=2025