This bill aims to amend the penalties for assault and battery against athletic officials in West Virginia. Specifically, it establishes that if a person commits an assault against an athletic official while they are performing their duties, the offender will be guilty of a misdemeanor and face a minimum fine of $500, with potential jail time ranging from one to six months. Similarly, if a battery is committed against an athletic official, the offender will also be guilty of a misdemeanor, facing a minimum fine of $1,000 and jail time of no less than six months and no more than 12 months.

The bill clarifies the definition of "athletic official" to include individuals such as umpires, referees, and coaches who enforce rules or supervise participants at sports events. The proposed changes reflect a significant enhancement of penalties for offenses against athletic officials, aiming to provide greater protection for these individuals during sporting events.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-2-15a