A bill for an act relating to assaults on sports officials, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1193.)
Impact
By enacting SF521, the bill will amend existing laws to include sports officials alongside other protected categories such as peace officers and emergency responders. This shift means that any assault against a sports official will carry legal repercussions ranging from serious misdemeanor charges to class D felonies, consequently deterring potential violence in sporting events and potentially cultivating a safer environment for officials during their duties. This change in legislation may also impact how sports organizations and local governments approach the training and safety measures for refs and umpires.
Summary
Senate File 521 aims to enhance the protection of sports officials by classifying assaults against them within specific legal frameworks. The bill defines 'sports officials' to include referees, umpires, and similar roles engaged in athletic contests. It provisions that assaults on these individuals, committed with knowledge of their role and intent to cause serious injury, will incur heightened penalties, effectively upgrading the seriousness of such offenses under state law. Assaults that result in bodily injury or mental illness are categorized as aggravated misdemeanors, while other assaults are prosecutable as serious misdemeanors.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support among various legislators, notably within the judiciary committee, there are discussions regarding the extent of its necessity. Some critics argue that the establishment of further legal protections might contribute to a culture of over-regulation and question whether current laws are adequate. Advocates argue that the growing incidences of violence against sports officials necessitate stronger legal responses to protect these individuals who play essential roles in promoting fair play and order in sports contexts.
A bill for an act relating to civil liability of sports officials, providing criminal penalties for assault of sports officials, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to civil liability of sports officials, providing criminal penalties for assault of sports officials, and including effective date and applicability provisions.
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties. (Formerly SSB 1058.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 3156.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(Formerly HSB 24.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See HF 177.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults, including assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and inmate assaults on department of corrections employees, and providing penalties.(See SF 397.)
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.
A bill for an act relating to assaults on persons engaged in certain occupations and harassment against public utility employees or contractors, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2400.)
A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the justice system, providing fees, and including applicability provisions. (Formerly HSB 775.) Effective date: 07/01/2026. Applicability date: 07/01/2026.
Requesting The Governor And The Department Of Health To Engage With The United States Department Of Defense And Other Federal And Military Partners To Explore Establishing A Military-civilian Trauma Partnership To Strengthen The Hawaii Trauma System.
Requesting The Governor And The Department Of Health To Engage With The United States Department Of Defense And Other Federal And Military Partners To Explore Establishing A Military-civilian Trauma Partnership To Strengthen The Hawaii Trauma System.