Bill
Bill > S2322
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would upgrade any simple assault committed against a sports official for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event to an aggravated assault. Under the bill, a person commits aggravated assault if the person is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official; or because of the person's status as a sports official. The bill defines "sports official" as meaning "any person who serves as a referee, umpire, timer, scorer, coach, athletic trainer, manager, or assistant for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event, or serves in a similar capacity but may be known by a different title, whether the person is compensated or a volunteer." Under current law, an assault committed against a sports official would constitute a disorderly persons offense. Under the bill, assault against a sports official would be upgraded to aggravated assault, which is a crime of the fourth degree if the official suffered no bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if bodily injury occurred. A crime of the fourth degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The changes to the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment.
AI Summary
This bill upgrades simple assaults against sports officials at school- or community-sponsored youth sports events to aggravated assault, a more serious crime. A "sports official" is broadly defined to include referees, umpires, coaches, trainers, managers, and assistants, whether paid or volunteer, who are identifiable as performing their duties or are targeted because of their role. Currently, such assaults are considered a disorderly persons offense, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Under this bill, if no bodily injury occurs, the assault becomes a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. If bodily injury does occur, it becomes a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine. These changes are intended to provide greater protection for individuals officiating youth sports and will take effect on the first day of the fourth month after the bill is enacted.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2322 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2322_I1.HTM |
Loading...