Enhancing penalties for assault on athletic officials

HB 2804 would increase criminal penalties for assaulting or battering athletic officials during sporting events in West Virginia. It raises fines for assault to a minimum of $500 (up to 6 months jail) and for battery to a minimum of $1,000 (up to 12 months jail). The bill defines "athletic official" to include umpires, referees, and coaches acting in their official capacity. This amendment would change current penalties under West Virginia Code §61-2-15a, applying specifically to incidents occurring while officials are enforcing rules or supervising events. The bill is currently pending in the House Judiciary Committee.