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HF 52

A bill for an act relating to civil liability of sports officials, providing criminal penalties for assault of sports officials, and including effective date and applicability provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Rinker

HF 52 criminalizes assaults on sports officials, classifying them as felonies to deter violence and protect officials, ensuring safer sports environments for all.

Subcommittee recommends passage.
#assault #felonies #referees(athleticsandsports)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 52

Summary of Bill HF 52

Overview

Bill Number: HF 52
Title: A bill for an act relating to civil liability of sports officials, providing criminal penalties for assault of sports officials, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
Status: Subcommittee recommends passage.
Introduced: January 14, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Assault, Felonies, Referees (Athletics and Sports)

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HF 52 is to enhance the legal protections for sports officials by establishing criminal penalties for assaults against them. This bill aims to deter violence in sports environments and ensure that officials can perform their duties without fear of physical harm.

Key Provisions

  • Criminal Penalties: The bill classifies assaults against sports officials as a Class "D" felony. This classification applies to individuals who:

    • Intend to inflict serious injury on a sports official.
    • Use or display a dangerous weapon during the assault.

  • Definition of Assault: The bill references the definition of assault as outlined in section 708.1, which includes various forms of physical harm or threats.

  • Expanded Protections: The bill expands the list of individuals protected under assault laws to include sports officials, placing them in the same category as peace officers, firefighters, and healthcare providers.

Impact

  • Who is Affected: The legislation directly impacts sports officials at all levels of competition, including amateur and professional sports. It also affects athletes, coaches, and spectators by establishing a legal framework that discourages violent behavior during sporting events.

  • Legal Consequences: Individuals found guilty of assaulting sports officials could face significant legal repercussions, including felony charges, which may result in imprisonment and fines.

Procedural Aspects

  • Subcommittee Actions:
    • January 14, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Public Safety committee.
    • January 15, 2025: A subcommittee was formed, consisting of members Rinker, Gustoff, and Levin.
    • January 22, 2025: The subcommittee recommended the bill for passage during a meeting held at 8:00 AM in House Lounge 2.

Conclusion

HF 52 seeks to provide robust legal protections for sports officials by criminalizing assaults against them. By classifying such assaults as felonies, the bill aims to create a safer environment for officials, thereby promoting fair play and respect in sports. The bill is currently progressing through the legislative process, with a recommendation for passage from the subcommittee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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