Establishes the offenses of harassment of a school or recreation athletic official and entry or remaining on site of a school or recreation athletic contest after being forbidden
Impact
If enacted, HB1731 would amend existing laws in chapters 565 and 569 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. It would impose penalties that include fines of up to five hundred dollars, imprisonment for up to ninety days, or both for offenders found guilty of harassing athletic officials. Additionally, courts would be mandated to require offenders to perform community service and participate in counseling programs, which could include anger management or other relevant interventions. This approach reflects a commitment to maintaining a respectful environment in school and recreational sports arenas.
Summary
House Bill 1731 seeks to establish specific offenses related to harassment of officials at school and recreational athletic contests, as well as unlawful entry onto the premises of such contests after being forbidden. The bill aims to address the safety and well-being of officials who oversee sporting events in educational and recreational settings. This legislation highlights the issue of harassment, defining it as any verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes a reasonable person to fear for their safety, particularly targeting officials during their duties.
Contention
Discussion surrounding HB1731 may involve concerns about the potential for overreach in defining harassment and the effectiveness of the proposed penalties. Critics might argue that the legislation does not adequately address the root causes of harassment in sports and could lead to unintended consequences in how disputes among spectators, coaches, and officials are handled. On the other hand, supporters of the bill are likely to emphasize the necessity of clear protections for officials who play a crucial role in fostering a positive environment for youth sports.
Establishes the offenses of harassment of a school or recreation athletic official and entry or remaining on site of a school or recreation athletic contest after being forbidden
Establishes the offenses of harassment of a school or recreation athletic official and entry or remaining on site of a school or recreation athletic contest after being forbidden
Establishes the offenses of harassment of a school or recreation athletic official and entry or remaining on site of a school or recreation athletic contest after being forbidden