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HF 122

Civil penalty on persons who disrupt or interfere with youth athletic activity imposed, youth officiating account established, and grants provided.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill imposing civil penalties for disrupting youth sports and establishing a state-funded youth officiating grants program to improve official recruitment and retention.

Motion to recall and re-refer, motion prevailed Judiciary Finance and Civil Law
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Bill Summary · HF 122

Legislative bill overview

HF 122 establishes civil penalties for individuals who disrupt or interfere with youth athletic activities in Minnesota. The bill also creates a dedicated youth officiating account and authorizes grants to support youth sports officiating programs.

Why is this important

Youth sports have experienced increasing incidents of adult misconduct at games and events, including verbal abuse of players, coaches, and officials. This legislation attempts to address those disruptions through financial penalties while also investing in recruiting and retaining youth sports officials, who face their own recruitment challenges.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and enforcement scope: The bill's definition of "disrupt or interfere" may be ambiguous, raising questions about what specific behaviors trigger civil penalties and who enforces them
  • Due process concerns: Civil penalties without clear procedural safeguards could face legal challenges regarding notice, opportunity to be heard, and proportionality of penalties
  • Funding mechanism: The source of revenue for the youth officiating account and grant program is unclear, raising questions about whether this creates new state spending or reallocates existing resources

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

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