Tennessee Senate Bill SB0110

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, relative to assault.

Impact

The implications of SB0110 highlight a growing recognition of the challenges faced by officials volunteering or employed to oversee youth sporting events. By instituting a Class E felony designation for assaults against these officials, the bill aims to deter such behaviors, thereby enhancing the safety and integrity of youth sports. The legislation is crafted to reinforce the significance of these roles and the necessity to protect individuals who contribute to youth athletics.

Summary

Senate Bill 110 (SB0110) seeks to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated, particularly Title 39, which relates to assault laws. This bill specifically addresses the penalties associated with assaults against officials at youth sporting events. The amendment establishes that assault committed against an official in this context is classified as a Class E felony, which denotes a significant legal shift aimed at protecting those who fulfill officiating responsibilities in youth sports.

Contention

There could be potential pushback regarding the classification of certain offenses and the appropriate responses to incidents at sporting events. Questions may arise regarding the threshold for determining what constitutes assault in these scenarios and whether the penalties are appropriate given the context of youth sports. As the bill proposes a felony status for specific assaults, discussions surrounding the implications for both enforcement and the judicial system are anticipated among legal advocates and within community discussions.