Assault and battery: stadium or arena.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor to commit an assault or a battery, except in specified instances, and makes these crimes punishable by a fine, not to exceed $1,000 or $2,000, respectively, or by imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment. This bill would additionally make it a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine, as specified, imprisonment in a county jail not to exceed 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, to commit an assault or battery on stadium or arena property on an event day. The bill would specify that this provision does not apply to sports officials or athletes while engaged in an event. By creating a new crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. Existing law provides that every person who willfully commits a trespass is guilty of a misdemeanor. This bill would make it an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250 for each violation, to intentionally leave the area or areas set aside for spectators and enter an area set apart for the participants, performers, officials, attendants, or service personnel at a stadium, auditorium, sports arena, playing field, theater, race track, skating rink, fair, or other place where sporting or theatrical events, or exhibitions, are held, for the purpose of disrupting the event or exhibition, except as specified. The bill would also make it an infraction, punishable by a fine of up to $250 for each violation, to intentionally throw, discharge, or launch any solid or liquid substance or object, or otherwise cause a substance or object to be thrown, discharged, or launched, or to intentionally commit an act that delays the event or interferes with the participants, performers, officials, attendants, service personnel, or spectators at a stadium, auditorium, sports arena, playing field, theater, race track, skating rink, fair, or other place where sporting or theatrical events, or exhibitions, are held, for the purpose of disrupting the event or exhibition, except as specified. By creating new crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.