Bill > H1625

This bill adds a new section to Massachusetts law that specifically addresses assault and harassment of sports officials during sporting events. The bill defines a "sporting event" broadly to include interscholastic, intramural, community, professional, and semi-professional athletic activities, as well as pre- and post-event activities and surrounding parking areas. A "sports official" is defined as any individual who enforces rules during a sporting event, such as referees, umpires, or linesmen, who are registered with or members of a relevant sports organization. The bill establishes two key criminal offenses: first, assault or assault and battery against a sports official during a sporting event, which can be punished by up to 5 years in state prison, up to 2.5 years in a house of correction, a fine of up to $5,000, or a combination of these penalties; and second, criminal harassment of a sports official, which involves willfully and maliciously engaging in a pattern of conduct that seriously alarms the official and would cause a reasonable person substantial emotional distress, with the same potential penalties as assault. The legislation aims to protect sports officials from physical and emotional abuse during athletic events by creating specific legal consequences for such actions.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1625