Georgia House Passes Sports Officials Assault Bill

(RACINE, Wis.) — The Georgia House of Representatives joined an increasing number of state legislatures this week that have passed legislation designed to increase penalties against those that assault sports officials. In a 131 to 34 vote, the House approved HB265, which increases the current penalties a judge may impose. Rep. Stanley Watson (D-Decatur) sponsored the bill.
HB265 now goes to the Georgia Senate for committee review and then a floor vote. The bill adds sports officials to an existing law that increases the penalty when the perpetrator knowingly attacks a public servant such as a police officer or firefighter. Under this legislation, sports officials are now provided similar protection.
"We’re very pleased that the Georgia legislature took this first step to enact much needed protection for sports officials," said Barry Mano, President of the National Association of Sports Officials (NASO). "The outrageous behavior demonstrated at some of today’s games is turning away good officials. They simply don’t need the physical harassment. There is a domino-effect when society tolerates such behavior."
HB265 would allow prosecutors to seek stiffer penalties for simple battery and assault charges, and if it is a repeat offense, the offender could face felony charges. The law covers all levels of amateur events from little league to collegiate.
"The lack of security at recreational level games in particular is our greatest concern," adds Mano. "Officials at that level are most vulnerable."
NASO has advocated stiffer penalties on those that attack sports officials since 1987. To date, 13 states have enacted legislation. Arizona, Virginia and Washington each passed similar bills in their legislative bodies this week. Ten other states have bills currently under consideration.

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