Enhanced penalties for assaulting a sports official provided.

HF 121 creates a new gross misdemeanor charge for assaulting a sports official during youth athletic activities in Minnesota. It specifically targets individuals who cause physical injury to officials (like umpires, referees, or scorekeepers) while they are performing duties at youth sports events. The law applies to youth athletic activities defined under Minnesota Statute 121A.38 and covers officials on-site, in parking lots, or traveling to/from the venue. Penalties increase from a standard misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor, effective August 1, 2025. This bill directly affects youth sports officials and those who assault them during sanctioned activities.