HSB 511

The bill applies to legal actions commenced after the effective date of the bill, including legal actions that allege actions or inactions of a sports official that occurred prior to the effective date of the bill. _____ The bill provides that a person who commits an assault against a sports official, with the knowledge that the person against whom the assault is committed is a sports official, and with the intent to commit a serious injury, is guilty of a class “D” felony. The bill provides that a person who commits an assault against a sports official, who knows that the person against whom the assault is committed is a sports official, and who uses or displays a dangerous weapon in connection with the assault, is guilty of a class “D” felony. The bill provides that a person who commits an assault against a sports official, who knows that the person against whom the assault is committed is a sports official, and who causes bodily injury or mental illness, is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor. The bill provides that any other assault committed against a sports official by a person who knows that the person against whom the assault is committed is a sports official is a serious misdemeanor. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $750 but not more than $7,500. An aggravated misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than two years and a fine of at least $625 but not more than $6,250. A serious misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than one year and a fine of at least $315 but not more than $1,875. The bill defines “sports official” as an individual who serves as a referee, umpire, or linesman, or in a similar capacity, at any athletic contest, and who is a member of or registered with a local, state, regional, or national organization that is engaged, in part, in providing education and training to sports officials. The bill takes effect upon enactment.