Missouri House Bill HB295

Missouri 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/25
• Refer: 5/15/25

Caption

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

The bill introduces specific definitions related to harassment within these contexts and sets forth penalties for violations. For harassment of an athletic contest official, individuals may face fines of up to five hundred dollars and up to ninety days of imprisonment. In addition, offenders are mandated to complete forty hours of community service and undergo counseling, which may include anger management programs. This approach not only penalizes such behavior but also emphasizes rehabilitation and community involvement, aiming to deter future incidents.

Summary

House Bill 295 is proposed legislation aimed at addressing harassment and unauthorized entry at school and recreation athletic contests. Specifically, the bill establishes two main offenses: harassment of school or recreation athletic officials and the unauthorized entry or remaining on the site of such contests after having been forbidden. This legislation is particularly significant as it seeks to promote a safer environment for officials and staff involved in youth sports, who are often subject to verbal and physical harassment during events. By codifying these offenses, the bill aims to create accountability for individuals who engage in this harmful behavior.

Contention

While proponents argue that HB295 will foster a more respectful atmosphere at athletic events and protect those who carry out essential roles in youth sports, critics may question the effectiveness of the proposed penalties and whether they adequately address the root causes of harassment. There might be concerns about the practical implementation of the counseling and community service requirements for offenders, particularly regarding the availability of resources and the potential impact on families involved in sports. The discussion around this legislation is likely to reflect broader societal issues related to aggression in sports and the importance of maintaining respectful conduct in competitive environments.