Bill > H7549

This bill proposes to amend Rhode Island General Laws Chapter 11-5, concerning assaults, by adding a new section that defines "sports official" as anyone enforcing the rules of a sporting event, such as an umpire or referee, and "sporting event" as any organized athletic activity from youth leagues to professional sports. It also defines "serious bodily injury" as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, causes significant loss of bodily function, or results in serious permanent disfigurement. The bill establishes that assaulting a sports official while they are performing their duties, before, during, or after a sporting event, will be a felony punishable by up to three years in prison or a $3,000 fine, or both. If the assault results in serious bodily injury, the felony charge carries a penalty of three to twenty years in prison or a $10,000 fine, or both. Additionally, those convicted will be required to make restitution to the victim, perform community service, or attend counseling, with the court unable to waive restitution or community service obligations. This act will become effective immediately upon its passage.

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