A bill by Rep. Brandon Ogles (R-Franklin-D61) seeks to make assaulting an official a crime under state law. HB1761 states an assault on a sports official would be considered “Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causes bodily injury to a sports official while the official is officiating a sporting event, Intentionally or knowingly causes a sports official, while the official is officiating a sporting event, to reasonably fear imminent bodily injury; or (3) Intentionally or knowingly causes physical contact with a sports official while the official is officiating a sporting event and a reasonable person would regard the contact as extremely offensive or provocative.”

Assault against an official would be a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine. If contact with an official is considered to be extremely or offensive -the third description under the bill, then it would become a Class A misdemeanor.

The bill would apply to any official who is a member of a local, state, regional, or national organization. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2022.