HB 5246
Safe Play Act
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill increases the fines and potential jail time for individuals convicted of assault or battery against athletic officials during sporting events in West Virginia. Currently, penalties for such offenses were capped at $1,000 in fines and six months in jail for assault, and $3,000 in fines and twelve months in jail for battery. The bill raises these maximum penalties to $500-$1,000 for assault and $1,000-$3,000 for battery. The bill clarifies that ‘athletic official’ includes umpires, referees, and coaches.
Key provisions
- Increases the maximum fine for assault on an athletic official to $1,000.
- Increases the maximum fine for battery on an athletic official to $3,000.
- Increases the maximum jail sentence for assault on an athletic official to six months.
- Increases the maximum jail sentence for battery on an athletic official to twelve months.
- Defines ‘athletic official’ to include umpires, referees, and coaches.
Who is affected
- Individuals convicted of assault or battery
- Athletic officials
- Sports event participants
- Sports event organizers
Notable changes
- Raises the monetary fines for assault and battery against athletic officials.
- Increases the potential jail time for offenses against athletic officials.
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