Texas House Bill HB2823

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to increasing the criminal punishment for assault committed against certain sports participants.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would result in a shift in how assaults against sports participants are prosecuted in Texas. It would provide a clearer framework for categorizing the severity of various offenses and could lead to higher penalties, particularly when offenses are committed in retaliation for a sports participant's actions while performing their duties. This change signifies a legislative intention to offer enhanced protections for individuals engaged in sports, especially youth athletes.

Summary

House Bill 2823 aims to enhance the criminal penalties associated with assaults committed against specific categories of sports participants. The bill identifies sports participants as individuals engaged in organized sports and includes provisions regarding the increased severity of punishment when such offenses are perpetrated against minors involved in sports. By amending the existing Section 22.01(c) of the Penal Code, the legislation stipulates that offenses categorized as Class C misdemeanors can be elevated to Class A misdemeanors under certain circumstances, thereby imposing stricter penalties.

Contention

While the bill may gain support among proponents who advocate for stricter penalties for violence in sports contexts, there may be discussions around the implications of categorizing certain assaults as more severe misdemeanors. Critics may argue that increasing misdemeanor classifications could lead to disproportionate legal consequences for actions that might otherwise be considered less severe. Furthermore, clarity surrounding definitions and the practical impacts of heightened penalties may be points of contention during further legislative discussions.