Rep. Jerome Barnes

Maddy summaryThis bill creates two new criminal offenses to protect school and recreation athletic officials from harassment and unauthorized entry onto contest sites. It defines harassment as behavior that would make a reasonable person fear bodily harm and prohibits entering or staying on property used for athletic events after being told to leave. Anyone convicted of harassing an official could face a fine of up to $500, up to 90 days in jail, and mandatory community service and counseling. Those found guilty of trespassing after being forbidden from the site could be fined up to $500 or jailed for up to six months.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands the legal definition of a "special victim" to include sports officials such as referees and umpires who are assaulted while performing their duties. By adding this group to the list of protected individuals, the legislation aims to provide them with specific legal protections and potential sentencing enhancements if they are harmed on the job. The measure also limits civil liability for these officials, shielding them from lawsuits regarding injuries or damages that occur during their officiating, unless the harm was caused by intentional, reckless, or malicious actions. These changes directly affect certified sports officials in the state and alter how courts handle cases involving their safety and legal responsibilities.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to protect the right to own firearms for self-defense and civil duty while allowing local governments like counties and major cities to regulate those rights. The amendment mandates that courts apply strict scrutiny to any restrictions on gun ownership and prohibits the state from refusing to protect these rights, though it maintains limits on felons and individuals deemed dangerous due to mental health issues. Local jurisdictions would be permitted to issue permits for carrying firearms, charge fees limited to administrative costs, and enforce penalties of up to one year in jail or a $1,000 fine for violations. The text also explicitly allows local ordinances to recognize permits issued by other counties and exempts law enforcement, judges, and certain security personnel from local permit requirements.