An Act relative to the assault on and aggravated harassment of sports officials

This bill (HD 1952) creates new criminal penalties for assaulting or harassing sports officials at organized athletic events. It directly affects referees, umpires, and other officials registered with sports organizations during any sporting event, including pre/post activities and parking areas. The law imposes up to 5 years in prison or a $5,000 fine for assaulting an official, and similar penalties for a "pattern of conduct" causing severe emotional distress. These changes specifically target threats or violence directed at officials enforcing sports rules at all levels of organized play.