An Act relative to criminal harassment against a sports official

HD 1707 makes it a crime to intentionally and maliciously threaten a sports official (like a referee, umpire, or scorer) during a sporting event with serious bodily injury, causing a reasonable fear for safety. It directly affects officials at school, college, community, or semiprofessional games covered under the bill's definition. First offenses carry up to 2.5 years in jail or a $1,000 fine, while repeat offenses can lead to 5-10 years in state prison. The law specifically targets threats directed at officials acting in their capacity, whether paid or volunteer, during organized athletic events.