Representative Bird is a proud co-sponsor of House Bill 139, legislation that will increase penalties for assault if the victim is a sports official.
This legislation adds a mandatory $1,500 fine and 40 hours of community service for committing misdemeanor assault against sports officials who are targeted in retaliation for their work while engaged as an athletic official. In addition, subsequent offenses would be elevated to a fifth-degree felony.
Out on the field, good sportsmanship and fair play must be preserved. Unfortunately, trends in recent years have led to sports officials falling victim to physical harm, causing many to re-think taking on the job. Bird believes that sports officials should be protected so they can do their jobs and uphold the integrity of sports.
House Bill 139 passed with strong bipartisan support in the House and awaits additional hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
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