Minnesota HF354 enhances penalties for assaulting sports officials.

Minnesota HF354 amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance penalties for assaulting sports officials. It adds a new subdivision to section 609.2231, defining "sports official" as someone who serves as an umpire, referee, judge, linesperson, timer, scorekeeper, or in another similar capacity for a youth athletic activity. The bill makes it a gross misdemeanor to assault a sports official and inflict demonstrable bodily harm or to intentionally throw bodily fluids or feces at or onto the official. This change takes effect August 1, 2025.

Minnesota HF354 enhances penalties for assaulting sports officials.

Minnesota HF354 amends Minnesota Statutes to enhance penalties for assaulting sports officials. It adds a new subdivision to section 609.2231, defining "sports official" as someone who serves as an umpire, referee, judge, linesperson, timer, scorekeeper, or in another similar capacity for a youth athletic activity. The bill makes it a gross misdemeanor to assault a sports official and inflict demonstrable bodily harm or to intentionally throw bodily fluids or feces at or onto the official. This change takes effect August 1, 2025.