Bill > H1969

This bill creates new legal protections for sports officials by establishing specific criminal penalties for assaulting individuals performing officiating duties during or in connection with a sporting event. The bill defines key terms such as "serious bodily injury" (permanent disfigurement or substantial risk of death), "sporting event" (organized competitive athletic activity), and "sports official" (an individual administering athletic rules). The legislation establishes a graduated penalty system for assaults on sports officials: a basic misdemeanor with up to one year imprisonment and a $1,000 fine for simple assault, a felony with up to two years imprisonment and a $2,000 fine for assault causing medical attention, and a more serious felony with up to five years imprisonment and a $1,000-$5,000 fine for assault causing serious bodily impairment. Additionally, the bill requires facilities hosting sporting events to post signs explaining these legal protections and provide escorts for sports officials upon request, with potential civil fines up to $500 for non-compliance. The law explicitly allows for additional criminal charges beyond these specific sports official assault provisions, ensuring comprehensive legal accountability for such actions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1969